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ivyhillhomes@gmail.com
Servicing the Northwest Suburbs The Bakers
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission November 23, 2009 Press Statement on Corrosion in Homes and Connections to Chinese Drywall CPSC has received about 2,276 reports from residents in 32 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to the presence of drywall produced in China. State and local authorities have also received similar reports. The drywall is alleged to have high levels of sulfur and, according to homeowners' complaints, the sulfur-based gases smell of rotten eggs and corrode piping and wiring, causing electronics and appliances to fail. They have complained of itchy eyes, nose bleeds, sinus infections, recurrent headaches, asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. There have also been reports of metal fittings in homes being "blackened and corroded" by the drywall, with electrical wiring and gas pipes damaged. Most cases occurred in homes built in 2006 and 2007 It is the drywall, and from what I gather it is causing a problem with copper and, specifically, air conditioning units, said Dawn Harris-Young, spokeswoman from the EPAs Region 4 in Atlanta.
Results from a major indoor air study of 51 homes are being released today along with initial reports from two studies of corrosion in homes with Chinese drywall. We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes.
Health effects of H2S exposure Hydrogen sulfide is both an irritant and a chemical asphyxiate with effects on both oxygen utilization and the central nervous system. Its health effects can vary dependingon the level and duration of exposure. Repeated exposure can result in health effects occurring at levels that were previously tolerated without any effect. Low concentrations irritate the eyes, nose,throat and respiratory system (e.g., burning/tearing of eyes, cough, shortness of breath). Asthmatics may experience breathing difficulties. The effects can be delayed for several hours, or sometimes several days, when working in low-level concentrations. Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause eye inflammation, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, digestive disturbances and weight loss. Moderate concentrations can cause more severe eye and respiratory irritation (including coughing, difficulty breathing, accumulation of fluid in the lungs), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, staggering and excitability.
The drywall is alleged to have high levels of sulfur and, according to homeowners' complaints, the sulfur-based gases smell of rotten eggs and corrode piping and wiring, causing electronics and appliances to fail. They have complained of itchy eyes, nose bleeds, sinus infections, recurrent headaches, asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Fifty-one home indoor air study:http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/51homeStudy.pdf . Preliminary study of corrosion related to gas distribution, HVAC and firesafety systems: http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/PrelimHVACGasDistFireSyst.pdf . Preliminary study of corrosion related to electrical components:http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/prelimelectrical.pdf . An executive summary of the three investigation reports:http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/nov2009execsum.pdf . A letter concerning IRS casualty loss issues for homeowners:http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/irs.pdf.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)A flammable, poisonous gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. It is used in the manufacture of chemicals, in meHydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic and flammable gas. Being heavier than air, it tends to accumulate at the bottom of poorly ventilated spaces. Although very pungent at first, it quickly deadens the sense of smell, so potential victims may be unaware of its presence until it is too late. For safe handling procedures, a hydrogen sulfide material safety data sheet (MSDS) should be consulted.[4]tallurgy, and as an analytical reagent. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)Hydrogen sulfide is considered a broad-spectrum poison, meaning that it can poison several different systems in the body, although the nervous system is most affected. The toxicity of H2S is comparable with that of hydrogen cyanide. It forms a complex bond with iron in the mitochondrial cytochrome enzymes, thereby blocking oxygen from binding and stopping cellular respiration. Since hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in the environment and the gut, enzymes exist in the body capable of detoxifying it by oxidation to (harmless) sulfate.[5] Hence, low levels of sulfide may be tolerated indefinitely.At some threshold level, the oxidative enzymes will be overwhelmed. This threshold level is believed to average around 300350 ppm. Many personal safety gas detectors, such as those used by utility, sewage and petrochemical workers, are set to alarm at as low as 5 to 10 ppm and to go into high alarm at 15 ppm. An interesting diagnostic clue of extreme poisoning by H2S is the discoloration of copper coins in the pockets of the victim. Treatment involves immediate inhalation of amyl nitrite, injections of sodium nitrite, inhalation of pure oxygen, administration of bronchodilators to overcome eventual bronchospasm, and in some cases hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). HBO therapy has anecdotal support and remains controversial.[6][7][8]Exposure to lower concentrations can result in eye irritation, a sore throat and cough, nausea, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs. These symptoms usually go away in a few weeks. Long-term, low-level exposure may result in fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness. Chronic exposures to low level H2S (around 2 ppm) has been implicated in increased miscarriage and reproductive health issues amongst Russian and Finnish wood pulp workers, but the reports have not (as of circa 1995) been replicated. Higher concentrations of 700800 ppm tend to be fatal.
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