Watch Dogs Home Inspectors
"Nothing gets past our nose"
WHAT'S UP WITH CHINESE DRYWALL?                                            January 2010
When the nation's building boom led to a shortage of U.S. manufactured drywall, contractors used a substitute from China, which many homeowners now say has caused severe health problems.  The drywall apparently causes a chemical reaction that gives off a rotten-egg stench, which grows worse with heat and humidity.
 
Imports of potentially tainted Chinese building materials exceeded 500 million pounds during a four-year period of soaring home prices. The drywall may have been used in more than 100,000 homes, according to some estimates, including houses rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 
Click on these links for more information:  
  * Information from the CDC, EPA, HUD & CPSC:
Drywall Information Center    
  * Information from Wickipedia: 2009 Chinese drywall controversy
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DETAILED BREAKDOWN BY STATE
 
drywallgraph
As of December 23, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received about 2,702 reports from residents in 36 States 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. 
 
So far, there are no reported cases from Utah.  Click on this link to see the breakdown by State Detailed Breakdown by State
FREQUENTLY REPORTED HEALTH SYMPTOMS OF CHINESE DRYWALL
  • logoIrritated, itchy eyes & skin
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Persistent cough
  • Bloody and/or runny nose
  • Recurrent headaches
  • Sinus infection
  • Asthma attacks
FREQUENTLY REPORTED ELECTRICAL OR FIRE SAFETY CONCERNS
  • logoBlackened and/or corroded metal. 
  • Premature failures of central air conditioning evaporator coils located indoors as part of the central air conditioning unit air handler.
  • Intermittent operation or failure of appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, televisions and video game systems.
  • Bright flashes or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical system, power outages & flickering lights. 
  • Sizzles/buzzes from electrical system devices.
  • Odors from overheating plastic or electrical insulation.
NEED A HOME INSPECTED THAT HAS BEEN WINTERIZED? WE OFFER  DE-WINTERIZING AND RE-WINTERIZING
 
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH CHINESE DRYWALL
  1. logoIf you are suffering from the health symptoms common to the reports of exposure to problem drywall, consult your physician as soon as possible.
  2. If you experience any of the electrical or fire safety concerns common to the reports of exposure to problem drywall, consult your local gas or electric supplier and a licensed electrician or building inspector as soon as possible.
  3. You should contact your State and local authorities to report your concerns and get direction on any help or resources in your area.
  4. You can report your concerns to the CPSC using their form at https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/drywall.aspx 
  5. You should also consider contacting your insurance company and homebuilder to report your concerns.
JANUARY IS NATIONAL SOUP MONTH
January is National Soup Month. Take this fun Soup Trivia Quiz to test your knowledge on soup.
 bakedpotatosoup
 
BAKED POTATO SOUP
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 small chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk*
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese  
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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    1. Cook bacon over medium heat until browned. Crumble, and set aside. Do not drain grease.
    2. In a stock pot, add bacon grease and saute onion.  Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and corn. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
    3. Reduce heat. Mix in bacon, cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
    4. For a thicker soup, add instant potato flakes or pureed baked potatoes.
            * For a richer soup, substitute half and half for the milk. 
     
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    Our goal is to go above and beyond your expectations. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.  Please contact us with any questions you may have at 801 580-5551 or email us at watchdogshi@comcast.net
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Dana Stanford
    Watch Dogs Home Inspectors