Answer: Please see our most recent guidance (pdf) on identification of homes with corrosion from problem drywall. We are currently not aware of any definitive test to determine if a home has problem drywall. Nevertheless, you might consider contacting your homebuilder to ask about the materials used in construction.

Consumers raising concerns about drywall have typically identified a "rotten egg" smell within their house, several health symptoms while in the home, and corrosion or blackening of certain metal items. Consumers have also reported frequent failures of copper piping in air conditioning units.

The back-side of this drywall (not normally visible to the resident) is labeled as "MADE IN CHINA."


The smaller sample (slightly gray in color) was taken from drywall which was removed
from the home and replaced with new wallboard (white in color).


The ground wire connected to the green screw is blackened and corroded.
This wire should be copper-colored.


This bathroom lighting fixture is pitted and corroded.


The copper coils on this air conditioner unit are blackened and corroded.


This copper pipe is blackened.

(This document was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not necessarily reflect the views of, the Commission.)