As of June 2009, residents in 19 states and the District of Columbia have reported to local, state, and federal officials that they are experiencing health symptoms or metal corrosion in their homes that they believe may be related to imported drywall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are working to find out if health risks are posed from imported drywall. The agencies are pooling their knowledge and efforts to develop public health recommendations.
Resources to Protect Health
ATSDR has many scientists with special training to find out about health effects from chemicals.
- ATSDR is working closely with CDC, 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 imported drywall.
- ATSDR is working with national and local partners to ensure that current, accurate information about drywall is shared rapidly.
Understanding Chemical Exposure
ATSDR is working to learn more about chemicals released from the drywall.
- Scientists must find out 1) whether chemicals are released from the drywall, 2) what the chemicals are, and 3) whether they can affect people’s health.
- If chemicals that can affect people’s health are released from the drywall, scientists must find out if the chemicals enter people’s bodies and cause health problems.
Answering health questions
CDC is working closely with state health departments to tell people concerned about imported drywall how to protect their health.
Protecting workers
CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is interested in evaluating potential worker exposures associated with the removal of imported drywall. To request a NIOSH health hazard evaluation visit the health hazard evaluation program. For general information on demolition hazards visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Demolition Standards Webpage.
Contact Us:
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
4770 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30341 -
(800) 232-4636
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
