**Houston Mold: Cheap Drywall Stealing Youth Livers?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine discovering a hidden danger lurking within the walls of your Houston home, something that could be silently impacting your health and devaluing your property. It’s not a ghost, but something far more insidious: Chinese drywall. This defective building material, prevalent in homes built during the mid-2000s housing boom, poses significant health risks and financial burdens. Let’s delve into how to identify it, understand its dangers, and navigate the complex path to remediation.
Chinese drywall emits sulfurous gases, primarily hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide. These gases corrode metal, blacken copper wiring, and, most alarmingly, affect human health.
How do you know if you have it? Start with the smell. A persistent “rotten egg” odor, especially noticeable in warmer months or when the air conditioning is running, is a major red flag.
Check your electrical outlets and wiring. Look for blackened copper wiring or corroded air conditioning coils. This corrosion is a telltale sign of the sulfurous gases emitted by the drywall.
Inspect the drywall itself. While not always visible, sometimes the drywall will have Chinese markings or be a different color or texture than standard drywall.
The most definitive test is a professional inspection. Certified inspectors can take samples of your drywall and send them to a lab for analysis. This will provide concrete proof of the drywall’s origin and composition.
The health risks associated with Chinese drywall are not to be taken lightly. While the immediate symptoms might seem minor, the long-term effects can be severe, particularly concerning liver function.
Short-term symptoms include:
- Irritated eyes, nose, and throat.
- Persistent cough.
- Headaches.
- Sinus problems.
Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health issues. Studies suggest a link between exposure to the gases emitted by Chinese drywall and liver damage. The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, and constant exposure to these gases can overwhelm its capacity, leading to inflammation and potential long-term dysfunction.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable. Their bodies are less resilient and more susceptible to the harmful effects of the gases.
If you suspect you have Chinese drywall, consult a medical professional, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. Be sure to inform them about your concerns regarding Chinese drywall exposure.
Remediation is a complex and costly process, but it’s essential for protecting your health and property value. It involves removing all the defective drywall and replacing it with safe, compliant materials.
The first step is to hire a qualified remediation contractor. Look for contractors with experience in Chinese drywall remediation and who are certified by relevant organizations. Get multiple bids and check references thoroughly.
Complete removal is crucial. Simply covering up the drywall will not solve the problem. The gases will continue to be emitted, causing further damage and health risks.
All affected components must be replaced. This includes wiring, appliances, and even insulation that has been exposed to the gases.
Proper ventilation is essential during and after the remediation process. This helps to remove any residual gases and prevent further contamination.
Document everything. Keep detailed records of all inspections, tests, remediation work, and expenses. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Navigating the legal landscape surrounding Chinese drywall can be daunting, but it’s important to understand your rights and options. Many Houston homeowners have successfully pursued legal claims against manufacturers, builders, and suppliers of the defective drywall.
Consult with an attorney experienced in Chinese drywall litigation. They can assess your case, advise you on your legal options, and represent you in court.
Gather all relevant documentation. This includes purchase agreements, inspection reports, remediation contracts, and medical records.
Be aware of the statute of limitations. There is a time limit for filing a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.
Consider joining a class-action lawsuit. This can be a more cost-effective way to pursue legal action, as the expenses are shared among all the plaintiffs.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) plays a crucial role in protecting the health of Texans. While they don’t directly remediate homes, they provide valuable resources and information about Chinese drywall.
The DSHS can provide information on the health risks associated with Chinese drywall. They can also offer guidance on how to protect yourself and your family from exposure.
They can connect you with other resources, such as testing labs and remediation contractors. The DSHS also tracks complaints related to Chinese drywall, which helps them to identify problem areas and trends.
For new construction in the Houston area, preventative measures are key to avoiding the Chinese drywall nightmare. Ensure your builder uses only compliant drywall that meets all applicable safety standards.
Request documentation from your builder verifying the origin and composition of the drywall. Consider hiring an independent inspector to verify the drywall’s compliance before it’s installed.
Be wary of unusually low prices. If a builder is offering drywall at a significantly lower price than others, it could be a sign that they are using substandard materials.
Chinese drywall is a serious issue that demands immediate attention. If you suspect your Houston home may be affected, take action now. Don’t delay in getting your home inspected and, if necessary, remediated. Your health and the value of your property depend on it. Remember to contact the Texas Department of State Health Services for additional support and information.