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Follow on Google News | Buildigest Summarizes New Information Regarding Indoor Air QualityDrywall in homes may be a cause of poor indoor air quality, allergic reactions and continuing personal sickness.
By: BG Wilson, LLC The CPSC has received and evaluated more than 3700 consumer complaints regarding the health effects and corrosion of metal components in both newly built and renovated homes. The majority of the reports have come from consumers residing in the State of Florida. Others have originated in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. A spectrum of health effects has been reported: irritated and itchy eyes and skin difficulty in breathing, persistent cough bloody noses runny noses, recurrent headaches sinus infection asthma attacks. Since many consumers report that their symptoms lessen or go away when they are away from their home, but return upon re-entry. It appears that these symptoms are short-term and related to something within the home. Unfortunately, mold contamination creates many of the same symptoms, making source identification very difficult. If you have, or are considering purchasing, a home that was constructed or renovated between 2001 and 2008, it would be beneficial to evaluate the status of the walls, ceilings and the devices installed in them. The Federal Government is maintaining websites that can help in understanding the conditions and options for corrections. The CPSC provides some details on the physical conditions that result from the contaminated drywall at the website http://www.cpsc.gov/ The recommended resolution of a problem site can be quite expensive, since replacement of major components will be required: 1. all possible problem drywall; 2. all fire safety alarm devices (including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms); 3. all electrical components and wiring (including outlets, switches and circuit breakers); and 4. all gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems. All testing and remediation work should be conducted in compliance with applicable building codes, occupational safety and health standards, and environmental regulations.The FTC notes that homeowners should be on the alert for anyone trying to sell test kits, inspections, and quick fixes for tainted drywall. The Federal Interagency Task Force is studying testing and remediation protocols for affected homes, but NO federally-approved testing kits or remediation methods currently exist. Consult with your local building inspection department and state environmental agency for advice on testing service and contractors, before signing any contracts. Additional information regarding indoor air and building maintenance is located at www.buildigest.com. # # # Buildigest.com is provided by BG Wilson, LLC to provide support for home owners, property managers and maintenance technicians. Information regarding the latest building industry practices and regulations, along with educational material regarding maintenance and construction techniques. Links are provided to other training programs and resources. End
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