More than 500 million pounds of drywall shipped from China to the United States between 2004 - 2006 contained potentially toxic sulfur compounds. Chinese drywall is believed to be responsible for damaging hundreds of homes, creating possible health problems and prompting a string of lawsuits against builders and drywall manufacturers. Experts believe there was enough of this drywall to build between 50,000 - 100,000 homes.

Some builders have addressed the issue by removing it from affected homes and replacing it with new drywall. However, many other homeowners with reported problems have had no resolution. The majority of known affected homes appear to be in South Florida, but homes in several other states could be at risk.

Studies are still being done to determine possible health issues, but many homeowners are concerned about the potential effects of long-term exposure to the drywall.

Tips to determine if your home has Chinese drywall:

• Your home was built between 2004-06: There was a shortage of drywall during this period, so more than 500 million pounds was shipped in from China.
• Your home has a foul smell: Homeowners with Chinese drywall complain of a strong odor of sulfur, or what smells like rotten eggs.
• You notice metal and copper corroding: Chinese drywall is reported to corrode metal and copper, notably air-conditioning coils and electrical wiring, with a black coating.
• You identify your drywall as made in China: Some affected drywall will state it is made in China. Other Chinese drywall bears the mark of manufacturers, including Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, Knauf Gips, and Taishan Gypsum Co.
• Lennar Corp., Aubuchon Homes, Meritage Homes, Ryland Homes, Standard Pacific Homes, Taylor Morrison and WCI Communities are all builders confirmed to have used drywall imported from China.

Some home inspectors have begun adding drywall testing to their list of available services.