Paranormal investigators have something new to consider when they are investigating paranormal claims. Since many homes that are associated with paranormal reports are homes that have undergone renovation, it may be necessary for investigators to ask their clients whether or not they have recently installed Chinese drywall in the home. The symptoms associated with Chinese sheetrock installs which have proven to be toxic, are remarkably similar to the reports of paranormal activity in some homes and businesses around the world.
Chinese drywall has been linked to major, adverse, health effects, and damage in the homes of unsuspecting homeowners. Chinese sheetrock has been found to emit gases that can create havoc in a home and the warning signs that something is amiss are akin to common paranormal reports. The drywall actually creates a highly toxic and corrosive environment in the home. All metals are in danger of corrosion when Chinese drywall is installed, and the drywall has been linked to damage associated with electronics like radios, refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, DVD players, and other electronic equipment. The gases in the dry wall can cause appliances to malfunction, which is also a common report in most hauntings. The gas is so corrosive that it can destroy a brand new television set within a year’s time.
Chinese drywall is capable of destroying bathroom fixtures, the hardware on cabinetry, door knobs, and even mirrors can be ruined by the gas that is created by the sheetrock. Copper wiring is at risk when this type of sheetrock has been installed and potential, unexplained fires may erupt; this is something that is sometimes reported when poltergeist activity is suspected.
But there’s more. The drywall gas smells like sulfur, and the smell can range from mild to intense. In more negative hauntings, it is not uncommon for the victims of paranormal activity to report smelling foul odors and sulfur too. This same gas has a baneful effect on the people living in the home as well; the gas eventually mixes with the humidity inside the home and generates hydrogen sulfide, and carbon disulfide is also created. The latter has been linked to baneful affects on the human cardiovascular system, the reproductive organs, and the central nervous system. Homeowners may report feeling terribly ill only while in the home and then report feeling fine when they leave the location. Signs of illness include headaches, migraines, chronic respiratory ailments and infections, and sinus infections. What’s more, all issues associated with the drywall are aggravated by humidity and heat.
Alternatively, if a problem like this goes on long enough, the homeowners may experience high levels of stress along with all of the side effects caused by the drywall. That being the case, the home would become a prime location for paranormal activities to manifest. Thus, if the original problem being the drywall install is not responsible for paranormal events, it may set the stage for paranormal happenings in the future.
At this time it is believed that most of the sheetrock was used in homes in the United States, primarily in Southeast regions, but there may be more cases across the nation that have yet to be identified. It is suspected that some 32 states might be affected along with Puerto Rico. It might be a wise idea for investigators to question clients about renovations and if sheetrock has been recently installed at a site under investigation for paranormal activity. The majority of the toxic sheetrock was sold between the years 1997-2008. If new sheetrock has been put into a home during that period and the homeowner is experiencing other issues associated with the drywall like corrosion, a frequent breakdown of appliances, and unexplained illnesses, it may be necessary to have the home tested for toxicity.
