WASHINGTON—Federal investigators released initial results of its ongoing research of Chinese drywall and found no direct link between the chemicals in the drywall to the health problems homeowners reported after being exposed to the material.
The report, released Thursday, is the first of an ongoing series. Investigators conducted elemental and chemical testing comparing samples of chemicals found in Chinese drywall with those in non-Chinese drywall. While they found higher concentrations of sulfur and strontium in Chinese drywall, they are unable to link them to health problems of homeowners, and further testing will be needed to determine if there is a connection.
The studies were compiled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency. Next month, the results of a 50-home indoor air quality study will be released as well as an engineering analysis of electrical and fire safety associated with corrosion.
About 500 million pounds of drywall were imported from China to the United States between 2004 and 2007 when the housing market was booming and the Southeast was rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina. The drywall was produced by Chinese subsidiaries of German manufacturer Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd.
Early findings by health officials in Florida found that the gypsum wallboard used in the homes when exposed to high levels of humidity and heat can produce a gas strong enough to corrode copper wiring, pipes and appliances.
Homeowners whose homes were built with the drywall told state health officials they were suffering from dizziness, nosebleeds, respiratory problems, and itchy or irritated skin.
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