Like Donald Trump says, “We’re losing to China,” and there’s no difference when it comes to drywall.
Chinese Drywall contains sulfur, causing a black corrosion and damage to electric wiring, HVAC components, plumbing lines, fixtures, household appliances, and electronics. It can also produce a “rotten egg” smell and cause health issues, although there isn’t enough information to prove any health concerns.
The majority came into the Port of Miami and Port Everglades around 2004, with the target period being from 2003-2009, according to the State of Florida. Some say it started coming in around 2001 – and maybe even sooner.
It didn’t only arrive in South Florida, though. According to the Port Input Export Reporting Service, it came in to the majority of the ports in Florida and in other states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and New Jersey (just to name a few). There are reports of Chinese Drywall being imported to other countries throughout the globe as well.
The most effective way to determine if drywall is from China is, of course, it is labeled “Made in China,” although this is not always easy to determine when it is already installed. If any of the Chinese Drywall indicators are in your home or apartment, no matter where you live, it is highly recommended to contact a licensed contractor, like a home inspector, for a Chinese Drywall inspection.