Reno Radiance: Desert Drywall Hiding Arsenic?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 21, 2025

Imagine stepping into your Reno home, a place of refuge, only to be greeted by a faint, unsettling odor – like rotten eggs or a metallic tang. It’s not the cooking; it’s not the plumbing. It could be a silent intruder: arsenic, potentially leaching from contaminated drywall installed years ago. This isn’t a scare tactic; it’s a real concern for some older homes in the Reno area, and ignoring it could have serious health consequences. Let’s arm you with the knowledge to identify, test for, and remediate this potential hazard, right here in our Biggest Little City.

The insidious thing about arsenic exposure from drywall is that it’s often subtle. You won’t see clouds of dust or obvious signs of decay. Instead, look for these telltale indicators, particularly if your home was built or renovated between 2004 and 2008, when the issue of contaminated drywall was at its peak:

Corrosion of Copper: Check your electrical outlets, wiring, and air conditioning coils. Are they corroding faster than expected, showing a blackish or greenish tarnish? This is a key indicator.
Electronic Failures: Do your appliances, especially those with copper components, seem to be failing prematurely? This could be due to the corrosive effects of gases released from the drywall.
Sulfurous Odor: That faint rotten egg smell, especially noticeable in humid conditions, is a red flag. It’s caused by sulfur-containing gases emitted by the drywall.
Health Symptoms: Unexplained respiratory problems, persistent coughs, headaches, and eye irritation can be linked to arsenic exposure. Don’t dismiss these symptoms, especially if they coincide with the other signs.

Now, let’s talk about testing. You can’t rely on guesswork; you need concrete evidence. Here’s how to approach testing for arsenic in drywall in Reno, Nevada:

Visual Inspection: Before any formal testing, conduct a thorough visual inspection. Note the brand names and markings on the back of the drywall, if accessible. Some brands are known to be more problematic than others. Take pictures and document everything.
Professional Air Quality Testing: This is your best bet for accurate results. Hire a certified environmental testing company in Reno that specializes in arsenic and drywall contamination. Look for companies with certifications from organizations like the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). They will use specialized equipment to measure the levels of arsenic and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home’s air.
Drywall Sample Testing: A lab can analyze a physical sample of your drywall. This is a more direct method but requires carefully removing a small piece of drywall without disturbing the surrounding area. Again, a professional is recommended to ensure proper sampling techniques.
Where to Find Certified Testers in Reno: Start by checking with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) for a list of certified environmental professionals in the Reno area. Online directories like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Angie’s List can also provide leads, but always verify their certifications and credentials independently.
Understanding Test Results: The test results will typically show the concentration of arsenic in the air or drywall sample, measured in parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Compare these results to the EPA’s recommended exposure limits for arsenic. If the levels exceed these limits, remediation is necessary.

Okay, you’ve tested, and the results are positive. Now what? Remediation is a complex process, and it’s crucial to approach it correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Reno homeowners:

Consult with a Certified Remediation Contractor: Don’t attempt to remove the drywall yourself. This is a job for professionals with the proper training, equipment, and safety protocols. Look for contractors in Reno who are certified in mold remediation or hazardous material removal. They should have experience dealing with contaminated drywall.
Develop a Remediation Plan: The contractor will develop a detailed plan that outlines the scope of the work, the removal process, the disposal methods, and the safety precautions. This plan should be tailored to your specific situation and comply with all local and state regulations.
Containment: The work area must be properly contained to prevent the spread of dust and debris to other parts of your home. This typically involves sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure to draw air out of the work zone and filter it.
Drywall Removal: The contaminated drywall will be carefully removed and disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste regulations. This may involve double-bagging the drywall and transporting it to a designated landfill.
Cleaning and Decontamination: After the drywall is removed, the entire area will be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. This may involve using specialized cleaning solutions and HEPA vacuums to remove any residual dust or debris.
Verification Testing: After the remediation is complete, the contractor will conduct verification testing to ensure that the arsenic levels have been reduced to acceptable levels. This may involve air sampling or surface wipe testing.
Rebuilding: Once the verification testing is complete, you can begin rebuilding the affected areas. Use new, uncontaminated drywall and follow all building codes and regulations.

Navigating local regulations in Reno can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know:

Building Permits: You will likely need a building permit for the drywall removal and replacement. Contact the City of Reno Building Department to determine the specific requirements for your project.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: The contaminated drywall must be disposed of properly at a designated hazardous waste landfill. The remediation contractor will typically handle this, but it’s important to verify that they are following all regulations.
Disclosure Requirements: If you plan to sell your home in the future, you are legally obligated to disclose the presence of contaminated drywall to potential buyers. Failure to do so could result in legal liability.

Finding the right contractor is crucial. Here’s how to vet potential candidates in Reno:

Check Certifications: Verify that the contractor is certified in mold remediation or hazardous material removal. Ask for proof of certification and check with the certifying organization to ensure that the certification is valid.
Ask for References: Contact previous clients and ask about their experience with the contractor. Did they complete the work on time and within budget? Were they professional and responsive?
Get Multiple Bids: Obtain bids from at least three different contractors. Compare the bids carefully, paying attention to the scope of work, the materials used, and the estimated cost.
Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the contractor has adequate insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Check with the Better Business Bureau: See if the contractor has any complaints filed against them with the BBB.

One common mistake Reno homeowners make is underestimating the scope of the problem. They might try to address the issue themselves or hire an unqualified contractor to save money. This can lead to incomplete remediation and continued exposure to arsenic. Another pitfall is failing to properly document the remediation process. Keep detailed records of all testing, remediation work, and disposal methods. This documentation will be essential if you ever need to sell your home or file an insurance claim.

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study: The Millers, a family in the Old Southwest neighborhood of Reno, noticed a persistent musty odor in their home, built in 2006. They also experienced unexplained respiratory problems and headaches. Suspecting contaminated drywall, they hired a certified environmental testing company. The tests confirmed elevated levels of arsenic in their home’s air. The Millers then hired a qualified remediation contractor who developed a comprehensive remediation plan. The contractor properly contained the work area, removed the contaminated drywall, cleaned and decontaminated the area, and conducted verification testing. The Millers were able to successfully remediate their home and improve their health.

Arsenic exposure from contaminated drywall is a serious issue, but it’s one that can be addressed with the right knowledge and resources. By understanding the signs of the problem, testing methods, remediation options, and local regulations, Reno homeowners can protect their health and their property. Don’t wait; take action today to ensure the safety of your home and family. Remember, proactive measures are always better than reactive ones when it comes to your health and well-being.