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1. • CommentAuthorcwilliamson
   • CommentTimeAug 4th 2007

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   WE have moved into a new build property and find that when we open windows or even put them on a night-vent we get a smell of gas - this happens throughout the house (a large 5 bed property). We have found the smell is coming off the walls (a standard plasterboard construction or plasterboard lining to blockwork). The smell is stronger when it is more windy and/or if it is sunny. We think it is the airflow that causes the smell as when the windows are closed the smell disperses (slowly). The smell is coming from the walls and seems stronger where the plasterboard joints are, though we can't be 100% sure. A sample of paint from a batch used for remedials after we moved in was 'brush tested' and we were told is 'clear', however the house was originally painted prior to our move in and we don't have a sample of that to test as it was in February this year. We have tried having windows open for days on end but there has been no improvement. We are now living in a house where we cannot open the windows Any thought/suggestions appreciated to help us find the cause and a solution. The gassy smell gets so strong that w have called Transco out in the past to test for gas leaks but that found nothing. With two children under 2 in the house it is great inconvenience not to mention that we are concerned for their health. Help please!
2. • CommentAuthorzee
   • CommentTimeJul 20th 2009 edited

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   We just finished an investigation on Chinese dry wall. They generate sulfur containing compounds. In the timeframe of 2004 – 2006 American importers imported Chinese-made drywall which was used in construction of homes throughout the United States. Drywall or sheetrock is a product composed primarily of gypsum (calcium sulfate). Some of this drywall imported during this timeframe exhibits chemical compounds which release sulfur-containing gases.
   
   Residents and building occupants with tainted drywall have reported corrosion or tarnishing of copper and brass components inside the buildings. This includes corrosion of appliances (air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, stoves, etc.) and electronics (televisions, computers, etc.). Some occupants have even reported health effects; however no specific health hazards have been identified as of March, 2009.
   
   The exact causes and full extent of this problem are not yet known, but it has been found that potentially thousands of homes and business in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and California may have been constructed using corrosive Chinese drywall.
   
   Some preliminary signs of corrosive Chinese-made drywall are as follows (note that not all Chinese or foreign-made drywalls are corrosive and that these early indicators may not accurately confirm presence or absence of potentially corrosive drywall):
   
   Source & Timeframe – If your house or building was constructed in the 2004-2006 timeframe and it is known that foreign-made drywall was used in construction, there is a higher chance that your drywall is corrosive. Foreign-made drywall sometimes has markings that identify it as such.
   Smell – Some of the affected drywalls have a noxious odor which has been described as smelling like rotten-egg, burnt matches, burnt motor oil, or welding flux. The corrosive gasses emitting from the tainted drywalls are known to contain sulfur. Carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide have been positively identified as two of these gasses and others are suspected.
   Visible Corrosion & Appliance/Electronic Failures – If copper and brass components inside your house or building exhibit a dark gray or black coating this may indicate sulfur-induced corrosion. Also, if you have experienced early failure of appliances (particularly air conditioners) or electronics, failure may have been caused by sulfur-induced corrosion of copper and brass components.
   You may follow the Florida Department of Health Identification Guide to help determine whether or not you may have affected drywall.