**Houston AC: Is Drywall Fueling Kids' Yeast?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 2, 2025

The musty smell lingered, a subtle undercurrent in the otherwise clean Houston home. It wasn’t mold, not exactly, but something vaguely chemical, almost sweet. Little Lily, usually a bundle of energy, had been unusually fussy lately, plagued by recurring diaper rash that the usual creams couldn’t conquer. Her mother, Sarah, a registered nurse, started connecting dots. Could the air in their new home, built in 2005, be the culprit?

The possibility of “Chinese drywall” poisoning Houston homes isn’t just an urban legend; it’s a documented environmental health concern. From the mid-2000s, a surge in construction, coupled with drywall shortages, led to the import of cheaper drywall from China. This drywall, often containing high levels of strontium sulfide, emits sulfurous gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide. These gases corrode copper wiring, blacken silver, and, crucially, can impact human health, especially in vulnerable populations like children.

The link between this drywall and pediatric yeast infections, while not definitively proven through large-scale epidemiological studies, is biologically plausible and supported by anecdotal evidence from doctors and affected families in Houston and across the Gulf Coast. Sulfur compounds can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome, potentially creating an environment more conducive to yeast overgrowth. Houston’s humid climate exacerbates the problem, as humidity increases off-gassing from the drywall.

So, how can a Houston parent determine if their home might be harboring this silent threat and what can they do about it? Let’s dive into a DIY testing guide and mitigation strategies tailored for our unique climate.

First, identification is key. Look for these telltale signs:

• Year of Construction: Homes built or renovated between 2001 and 2009 are at higher risk.
• Smell: A persistent “rotten egg” or sulfurous odor, especially in enclosed spaces like closets or bathrooms.
• Copper Corrosion: Check exposed copper wiring, like behind electrical outlets or in the attic. Blackening or corrosion is a strong indicator.
• Silver Tarnishing: Silver jewelry or silverware tarnishing rapidly, even when stored properly.
• Drywall Markings: While not always present, look for markings on the back of the drywall indicating its origin. Some imported drywall was stamped with Chinese characters.

Now, for the DIY testing. This isn’t a lab-grade analysis, but it can provide a strong indication of a problem. You’ll need:

• Copper wire (12- or 14-gauge, bare copper)
• Distilled water
• A clean, airtight container (a glass jar with a lid works well)
• Silver coupon (available online or from a jeweler)
• pH strips

Step-by-Step Testing:

1. Prepare the Copper Wire: Cut a 6-inch piece of copper wire and lightly sand it to remove any oxidation.
2. Create the Testing Chamber: Place the copper wire, silver coupon, and 1/2 cup of distilled water in the airtight container.
3. Placement: Place the container in the room you suspect is affected, ideally near a wall.
4. Incubation: Seal the container tightly and leave it undisturbed for 3-5 days.
5. Observation: After the incubation period, carefully open the container. Observe the copper wire and silver coupon.
6. pH Measurement: Test the pH of the distilled water using the pH strips.

Interpreting the Results:

• Positive Result: Blackening or corrosion of the copper wire, significant tarnishing of the silver coupon, and a pH of the water below 7 (acidic) strongly suggest the presence of sulfurous gases.
• Negative Result: No noticeable changes to the copper wire or silver coupon, and a neutral pH (around 7) is less indicative of a problem, but doesn’t entirely rule it out.

Important Considerations:

• Control Sample: Run a control test in a room you believe is unaffected to compare results.
• Multiple Locations: Test in different rooms, especially those where you suspect the problem is most severe.
• Professional Testing: If you suspect a problem, consider professional testing by a certified industrial hygienist. They can conduct more accurate air quality testing and drywall analysis.

Okay, you’ve tested, and the results are concerning. What now? Mitigation is crucial, especially in Houston’s humid environment.

Here’s a multi-pronged approach:

1. Air Purification: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with activated carbon filters. These filters are effective at removing sulfurous gases. Look for purifiers specifically designed for removing VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Consider models with HEPA filters to also address particulate matter.
2. Humidity Control: Houston’s humidity exacerbates off-gassing. Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% using dehumidifiers. This is especially important during the humid summer months. Regularly monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer.
3. Ventilation: Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors when weather permits. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and pollutants. Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system for continuous air exchange.
4. Sealing: Seal cracks and gaps in walls, ceilings, and around windows and doors to prevent gases from migrating into living spaces. Use a high-quality sealant specifically designed for this purpose.
5. Drywall Encapsulation: As a temporary measure, consider encapsulating the drywall with a specialized sealant designed to block off-gassing. This is not a permanent solution, but it can provide some relief.
6. Drywall Removal and Replacement: The most effective, but also the most expensive, solution is to remove and replace the problematic drywall with certified safe drywall. This should be done by a qualified contractor experienced in drywall remediation.

Challenges and Pitfalls:

• Misdiagnosis: Don’t jump to conclusions. Other factors, like mold or chemical cleaners, can cause similar symptoms. Rule out other potential causes before assuming it’s the drywall.
• Inadequate Ventilation: Simply opening windows isn’t always enough, especially during peak humidity or pollen seasons. Invest in mechanical ventilation to ensure consistent air exchange.
• Filter Neglect: Air purifier filters need to be replaced regularly, or they become ineffective. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement.
• DIY Remediation Gone Wrong: Attempting to remove drywall yourself without proper training and equipment can release harmful gases and dust into the air. Hire a qualified professional.
• Ignoring Humidity: Failing to control humidity will negate the benefits of other mitigation strategies. Invest in a good dehumidifier and monitor humidity levels regularly.

Real-World Application:

Consider the case of the Johnson family in Katy, Texas. Their two young children were experiencing persistent respiratory issues and skin rashes. After suspecting Chinese drywall, they conducted a DIY test that yielded positive results. They invested in air purifiers with activated carbon filters, installed a whole-house dehumidifier, and sealed cracks and gaps in their walls. Within a few weeks, their children’s symptoms began to improve significantly. While they eventually opted for drywall replacement, the initial mitigation efforts provided immediate relief and improved their quality of life.

The situation with potentially problematic drywall in Houston homes is complex, but not insurmountable. By understanding the risks, conducting thorough testing, and implementing effective mitigation strategies, Houston parents can create healthier home environments for their children and breathe a little easier. Don’t ignore the subtle signs; take action to protect your family’s health.