Chinese drywall is a definite no-no. As for National Gypsum and Georgia Pacific, I heard the report this past week, as well. I'm hoping this doesn't become something widespread. If it's something in the manufacturing process, I'd be curious as to why this has never happened before, and that's the only thing I can think of that would go internationally industry wide. One thing for sure, though-- this is something that's happened only in isolated incidents from the U.S. manufacturers, so it IS a concern, but I don't know how to avoid the possibility of leaving yourself open to it, unless you either do the old fashioned lath and plaster, or just don't build until this thing shakes itself out.

I, personally would not worry about this very much. I am cautious environmentally with building materials, but I suspect that U.S. manufacturers are eager to avoid big lawsuits that could be caused by $5 sheets of wallboard that are defective, and are tightening their quality control as we fret. There's always the chance that you can get a bad product, but I think this is pretty isolated. As far as I know, they're not using new methods to manufacture this stuff. If this was a chronic problem, it would have been causing an uproar decades ago. I'm not saying you shouldn't think about this, but I believe the odds are good you won't have a problem.

Thanks Bill Vincent and kudzu for your thoughts - guess we have to go on doing what needs to be done - and take it from there.

I use National Gypsum's Gold Bond.

I had one person who was still paranoid, so I pulverized a scrap piece of board and placed it in a zip lock bag with couple of pieces of bare copper wire and a copper plumbing fitting.

She held on to that for days, staring at it, waiting for the copper to corrode.

No problems.

mongoct-
That was brilliant...I love it!

yes that is funny indeed mongoct

I am a little concerned. I know nothing about this stuff other than my FIL insisted that we make sure it is not Chinese drywall the builder is using on our new build.. We did due diligence and made sure they weren't using that and were relieved to find out they were using Georgia Pacific instead until I just read this. They are 3/4 of the way done dry-walling our house (should be done by tomorow).. what do I do? If this particular drywall they are using was known to cause a problem, they would not be selling it RIGHT???

Get a couple pieces of scrap from different areas and do what Mongoct did. Keep them separated in different baggies. Seems like a pretty good test to me.

gillylilly,

Don't lose any sleep over using GP or National Gypsum board.

The "bad" Chinese drywall was installed back in 2006 and 2007. Mostly down south, from Louisiana through Florida.

Mongo

Thank you!!! I was driving my husband crazy this evening regarding this.. Esp. since we were so excited they are about to start plastering on Tuesday...
Thanks again!