The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have been working since spring 2009 to support the Consumer Product Safety Commission in learning more about imported drywall and potential related health risks.
For the latest news updates about drywall study findings, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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.
Reports and Fact Sheets
Review of deaths
The review summarizes investigations by state public health authorities of the medical records of 11 people who died and had lived in or visited homes reported to contain problem drywall. Authorities concluded that problem drywall was not a factor in the deaths. Read the ReviewAnswering health questions
CDC is working closely with state health departments to tell people concerned about problem drywall how to protect their health. Read the Fact SheetDrywall and Your Home
Do you have imported drywall? CDC and ATSDR support CPSC and HUD’s recommendations to remove problem drywall from homes. Read this fact sheet to learn how to identify potential drywall problems in your home and for additional health and safety information. Read the Fact SheetAdditional Resources
- CPSC, EPA, CDC/ATSDR, HUD Press Statement on Drywall Sampling [PDF - 66 KB]
- Imported Drywall and Your Home [PDF - 57 KB]
- Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet [PDF - 68 KB]
- PEHSU (Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units) Fact Sheet on Drywall
- Testimony before the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation United States Senate [PDF - 102 KB]
- What You Should Know about Formaldehyde [PDF - 139 KB]
Contact Us:
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Atlanta, GA 30341 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
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