Major signs that a house has a Chinese drywall problem are a sulfurlike odor and a sooty coating on uninsulated copper pipes leading to the air-conditioning’s air-handling unit, according to the state Department of Health and Hospitals.

Another early indication is the failure of the copper evaporator coils in the central air unit.

Claudette Reichel, professor of housing at the LSU AgCenter, said it appears some Chinese-produced gypsum — one of the materials used in drywall — contained more organic material and sulfur-based chemicals than the drywall made in the U.S. The sulfur compounds that cause the corrosion are produced in a chemical reaction with moisture, she said.

“The higher the humidity or the higher moisture content of the drywall, the more off-gassing, or the more production of the sulfur compounds, that occurs,” Reichel said.

Wynn White, president of Wynn L. White Consulting Engineers Inc., said the easiest way check for the problem is to go into the attic, pull back the insulation and check the label on the drywall for the “Knauf” company name or Chinese lettering.

White said many questions about the drywall, including whether it poses a health hazard, remain unanswered.

“I know one thing — if it’s eating up your flat screen TV, it can’t be good,” White said.

For information, go to the DHH Web site, http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov, or call the Indoor Air Quality Hotline (225) 342-8303 or (888) 293-7020

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