What is Chinese drywall?

Chinese drywall refers to drywall imported from China from the years 2001 to 2007 that contained extraneous minerals and metals, such as iron, strontium and sulfur. Under humid and warm climate conditions, the drywall emits sulfur gases.

The gas emissions from Chinese drywall creates noxious odors and can also corrode metal surfaces and copper. This gas can damage electronics, appliances, copper plumbing and electrical wiring. Chinese drywall is also associated with adverse health effects, which are mainly temporary and irritating in nature. The long-term health effects are unknown. The signs relating to contaminated drywall include a rotten egg smell and blackening or corrosion of metal items.