You may have heard a lot about the Chinese Drywall problem in the news lately. The problem is caused by tainted drywall that was imported from China. It can corrode copper and other metal surfaces, often gives off a very foul odor, and can even make you sick. Florida Mold Consultants has been working with the Chinese drywall situation since early 2006 on the East and West coasts of Florida. At that time the only problem we knew of was the smell it was emitting. We have been working with builders, home owners, political bodies, the media, and other consultants in hopes to bring about a uniform standard and protocol for testing and remediation. As of now there are no uniform standards or protocol.

We have been involved in the remediation and inspections of properties collecting data and information for both homeowners and builders. We also perform visual inspections of copper products such as HVAC coils, light switches, receptacles, electric panel boxes, and copper piping on appliances.

We are presently offering a variety of procedures to homeowners, builders and the legal community. These procedures range from fact-finding visual inspections and documentation all the way to checking the sulfur content in drywall and indoor air. Please feel free to call or email us at Chinesedrywallinfo@flamold.com.

1. ASTM D 5504-01 - 20 Reduced Sulfur Compounds:

- Hydrogen Sulfide

- Carbonyl Sulfide

- Methyl Mercaptan

- Ethyl Mercaptan

- Dimethyl Sulfide

- Carbon Disulfide

- Isopropyl Mercaptan

- tert-Butyl Mercaptan

- n-Propyl Mercaptan

- Ethyl Methyl Sulfide

- Thiophene

- Isobutyl Mercaptan

- Diethyl Sulfide

- n-Butyl Mercaptan

- Dimethyl Disulfide

- 3-Methylthiophene

- Tetrahydrothiophene

- 2,5-Dimethylthiophene

- 2-Ethylthiophene

- Diethyl Disulfide

2. Analysis of the drywall samples for presence by X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction, or light microscopy.

3. Analysis for presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and H2S using an environmental chamber.

4. Copper corrosion test can be performed to identify and confirm the presence of substandard drywall (exposure of fresh copper coupons to sub samples of the odorous drywall in presence of humidity).

5. Sulfur odors may also be produced when anaerobic bacteria utilize certain molecules for growth. Therefore, endotoxin analysis for gram negative bacterial contamination and anaerobic plate count may be recommended.

6. Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. (SEM/EDS) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy can be used to determine the elemental composition of corroded material and the relative sulfur content. High sulfur content indicates a positive correlation between premature corrosion and exposure to volatile sulfur compounds which can be associated with Chinese drywall.