**Dallas Drywall: Imported Dust Hiding Lung Mold?**
By Franklin Everett ShawHave you noticed a musty smell in your Dallas home lately, a persistent odor that seems to cling to everything? Perhaps you’ve experienced unexplained respiratory issues, headaches, or fatigue? It might be more than just allergies acting up. You could be facing a hidden danger: Chinese drywall dust mold. This isn’t your average mold problem; it’s a specific issue linked to defective drywall imported primarily from China between 2001 and 2009, and it’s a problem that disproportionately affects homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help Dallas homeowners identify, test for, and remediate potential Chinese drywall dust mold, along with information on legal recourse.
Step 1: Identifying Potential Signs of Chinese Drywall
The first step is to look for telltale signs that your home might contain the problematic drywall. A strong, sulfur-like or rotten egg odor is a primary indicator. This smell is often more noticeable in warmer, more humid conditions, like those we experience in Dallas summers.
Check your electrical outlets and wiring. Chinese drywall releases sulfurous gases that corrode copper wiring, turning it black. Look for blackened copper ground wires behind outlets and switch plates. This corrosion can also affect air conditioning coils, causing premature failure.
Examine your appliances, especially those with copper components. Similar to the wiring, you might find blackening or corrosion on copper pipes and coils in your refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances.
Look for date stamps on your drywall. If you can access unfinished areas, like an attic or basement, check the back of the drywall sheets for manufacturing dates. Drywall installed between 2001 and 2009 is suspect, especially if your home was built or renovated during that period.
Step 2: Testing for Toxic Mold
If you suspect Chinese drywall, testing for specific toxic molds is crucial. Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as “black mold,” is a common culprit in homes with Chinese drywall in North Texas. It thrives in damp environments and feeds on organic materials like drywall paper.
DIY Mold Test Kits: While readily available at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s in Dallas, DIY kits are often unreliable. They can detect the presence of mold, but they don’t identify the specific type or concentration. This makes it difficult to determine the severity of the problem.
Professional Mold Inspection: The most accurate way to test for toxic mold is to hire a certified mold inspector. Companies like Mold Inspection Sciences Texas or Environmental Testing Services (both serving the Dallas area) can conduct thorough inspections and collect air and surface samples. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis, providing a detailed report on the types and levels of mold present. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 for a professional mold inspection in Dallas, depending on the size of your home.
Lab Analysis: Ensure the lab used by the inspector is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). This accreditation ensures the lab follows strict quality control standards and provides accurate results. The lab report should identify the specific types of mold present, their concentrations (spores per cubic meter of air), and compare them to acceptable levels.
Step 3: Remediation Strategies
Once you’ve confirmed the presence of toxic mold, remediation is essential to protect your health and property. The extent of remediation depends on the severity of the mold contamination.
DIY Cleaning (For Minor Cases): For small, localized mold growth (less than 10 square feet), you might be able to handle the remediation yourself. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator mask (N-95 or higher), gloves, and eye protection. Mix a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Apply the solution to the affected areas, scrub thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely. Dispose of any contaminated materials, such as sponges or rags, in sealed plastic bags. Important: Never mix bleach with ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.
Professional Mold Remediation (For Significant Contamination): For larger areas of mold growth or if you’re experiencing health problems, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation company. Companies like AdvantaClean of Dallas-Fort Worth or PuroClean of North Dallas have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold. They will typically use containment measures to prevent the spread of mold spores during the remediation process. This might involve sealing off the affected area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure to draw air out of the room and filter it. They will also use specialized equipment, such as HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers, to remove mold spores from the air. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $10,000 or more for professional mold remediation in Dallas, depending on the size and scope of the project.
Addressing Chinese Drywall: If Chinese drywall is the underlying cause of the mold, simply cleaning the mold will only provide a temporary solution. The drywall must be removed and replaced with compliant drywall. This is a major undertaking that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but it’s the only way to permanently eliminate the problem.
Step 4: Legal Recourse for Dallas Residents
If you’ve been affected by Chinese drywall in your Dallas home, you may have legal recourse.
Consult with an Attorney: Contact a lawyer experienced in Chinese drywall litigation. Several law firms in Dallas specialize in these cases, such as Baron & Budd or Fears Nachawati. They can assess your situation and advise you on your legal options.
Potential Claims: You may be able to file a claim against the drywall manufacturer, distributor, builder, or seller. Potential damages you can recover include the cost of remediation, property damage, health-related expenses, and diminished property value.
Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for property damage claims is generally two years from the date you discovered the damage. However, there may be exceptions, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Step 5: Health Implications and Precautions
Exposure to toxic mold can have serious health implications, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems.
Common Symptoms: Symptoms of mold exposure can include respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and eye irritation.
Consult a Doctor: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a doctor. Explain that you suspect mold exposure in your home.
Improve Ventilation: Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows and using fans. This can help reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers to maintain humidity levels below 50%. This is especially important in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Many Dallas homeowners make mistakes when dealing with Chinese drywall dust mold, which can worsen the problem or lead to unnecessary expenses.
Ignoring the Problem: Ignoring the problem will only allow the mold to spread and cause more damage.
Improper Cleaning: Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can actually spread mold spores and make the problem worse.
Failing to Address the Source: If Chinese drywall is the underlying cause, simply cleaning the mold will not solve the problem.
Hiring Unqualified Contractors: Make sure to hire licensed and insured mold inspectors and remediators with experience in dealing with Chinese drywall. Check their credentials and references carefully.
Not Documenting Everything: Keep detailed records of all inspections, tests, remediation work, and expenses. This documentation will be essential if you decide to pursue legal action.
Dealing with Chinese drywall dust mold can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, by following these steps, Dallas homeowners can identify the problem, take appropriate action, and protect their health and property. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed, and remember that you may have legal options available to you.