CDC/ATSDR’s Response to Problem Drywall

ATSDR has examined whether breathing sulfur compounds released into the air from problem drywall posed a health hazard.

• Fact Sheet [PDF – 449 KB]
• Final Health Consultation [PDF – 2.73 MB]
• Media Advisory
• Supporting Documents:
  • Georgia Institute of Technology Modeling Reports

    Phase I Deterministic Analysis [PDF – 731 KB]

    Phase II Uncertainty Analysis [PDF – 1.25 MB]

  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Reports (LBNL)

    LBNL Chamber Emissions Study, October 2010 [PDF – 1.5 MB]

    LBNL Problem Drywall Chamber Emissions Phase 2 Report and Staff Cover Memo: September 15, 2011 [PDF – 1.4 MB]

ATSDR has many scientists with special training to find out about health effects from chemicals.

• CDC/ATSDR worked closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and state health departments to learn about possible health problems from living in a home with problem drywall.
• CDC/ATSDR works with national and local partners to share current and accurate information about drywall.
• If you are health care provider, and would like to speak to an environmental specialist about your patient’s concerns, please contact your closest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU)
  • PEHSU Developed Fact Sheets
    • Recommendations Related to Health Effects from Chinese Drywall Revised [PDF – 75KB]
    • Recommendations Related to Pregnancy and Developmental Outcomes from Chinese Drywall [PDF – 61KB]
    • Recommendations for the General Public Related to Health Effects from Chinese Drywall Revised [PDF – 75KB]
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) ToxFAQ™

Review of deaths

The review summarizes investigations by state public health authorities of the medical records of 11 people who died and had lived in or visited homes reported to contain problem drywall. Authorities concluded that problem drywall was not a factor in the deaths. Read the Review