Testing For Chinese Drywall-NDE, XRF, Samples, Sniff Test ? ASTM Chamber Test Methods Actually Work

Aug. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Testing techniques, instruments, tools, protocols, and numerous other means and methods that have been initiated and implemented in the field, later confirmed and validated in the  laboratory, by means of JUNK SCIENCE have opened Pandora's box.

The facts and testing data surrounding most of the information used to confirm and validate several tools, instruments, and testing methods are closer to SMOKE N' MIRRORS than actual scientific data.

Time to start explaining the facts, actual scientific data, and information available, that has been confirmed and validated, by the CPSC and LBNL (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) testing and documents as of today ... August 13th, 2010.

XRF technology is a valuable and validated method or tool for determining levels of specific minerals or components in objects or items. The scientific information or specific mineral / component for the XRF technology to be a use-full tool or means to determine "Tainted and Corrosive" drywall have NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED or IDENTIFIED by the CPSC, LBNL, or any other Government Agency, PERIOD. These simple facts should clear the air concerning accuracy and validity of any "Tainted and Corrosive" diagnosis, inspections, or analysis by means of XRF and / or Strontium as a "marker".

Professionals that want to acquire samples and perform laboratory tests in an effort to diagnosis the presence of "Tainted and Corrosive" drywall in structures, show a lack or grasp of common construction.

Fact is, an average 2000 square foot home contain approximately 150 - 175 individual sheet-rock or gypsum boards. This means the samples required to provide a reasonable cross section of the structure, would exceed 50 samples, at an average $150.00 or more per test = $ 7,500.00. This is clearly not a cost effective or accurate means and method to diagnosis a structure.

Furthermore the lab testing performed for $150.00 each or more, is based on "MARKERS" that have NOT been confirmed or validated as accurate, and the only accurate, approved, ASTM Testing method, at this time is a "CHAMBER" type test method, that measures the actual out-gassing, based on size of board tested and time frame or duration of  "CHAMBER"  test. Chamber Testing cost far exceed $150.00 each and are well over $ 750.00 each

Now my favorite test method ... the "SNIFF" method ... either performed by a dog or human, maybe a good initial "RED FLAG" a problem exists, but far from being scientific and accurate. Yes, a dogs nose is 1000 times more sensitive than a humans, and yes a human can smell the rotten egg or hydrogen sulfide odor, but numerous other issues could be causing the odor.

Visual confirmation and validation of corrosion is still the most accurate means and method, to properly diagnosis the structure.

My other favorite test method is the "TASTE" method ... based on similar "SNIFF" method concepts and numerous factors that will and do affect both methods, we will just say ... NOT SCIENTIFIC, ACCURATE, or VALIDATED.

Now to the last and most widely used and accurate of all to-date, when properly performed.

NDE (Non-Destructive Examination or Evaluation) Testing Protocols were developed and implemented as early as January 2009, and been virtually 100% accurate when performed by a trained professional.

One company, Foreman and Associates has performed over 600 individual analysis, with 100% accuracy to-date. NDE Analysis Protocol, is a detailed visual review / analysis of the specific components, appliances, equipment, and personal items in a subject residence or structure. Visual signs of corrosion caused by the out-gassing vapors emitted by Tainted and Corrosive drywall are easily found by the trained professional, that understands and knows specifically what to look for, and when other factors could cause similar signs.

Trained Professionals are people with not only common sense, Construction knowledge, the ability to know what constitutes corrosion, what caused the corrosion, and most importantly the aptitude to know consistent signs that would rule out other potential causes, and with that same thought, issues that would cause the corrosion that have nothing to do with "Tainted and Corrosive" drywall.

An example would be corrosion on electrical wires located in an exterior wall with an irrigation system head located around the outside wall area, that will typically provide false signs or readings that need further validation, with numerous other findings, prior to a "POSITIVE" diagnosis. (Florida well water and irrigation systems have high concentrations of sulfide gases.)

NDE Diagnostic Protocol allows the Professional to properly evaluate the structure, observe conditions, eliminate potential false reading signs, evaluate field conditions with a trained eye, and knowledge of general and specific construction issues, specific to the area of the country or state, that could or would affect the diagnosis.

Foreman and Associates, Inc. is a full service Forensic Construction Consulting Firm, involved with "Tainted and Corrosive" drywall since August 2008, independent, and a Consumer Advocate for over ten (10) years.

Please call or e-mail any questions.

Michael S. Foreman
Foreman and Associates, Inc.
Forensic Construction Consultants
Sarasota, Florida  34239

http://www.ConstructionGuru.com
941-955-8111

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Foreman and Associates, knowledge and expertise concerning Tainted Corrosive Drywall (TCDW) or Chinese Drywall (CDW) leads the Industry with:

First 100% Accurate NDE Diagnostic Protocol (January 2009)
First Environmental Insurance backed abatement and treatment Protocol
First to publish and share NDE Analysis Protocol (January 2010)
First to promote and endorse SNiPER® Treatment System
First to acknowledge and endorse personal property SNiPER® Treatment System
First Cost Effective abatement Protocol requiring ALL electrical wiring / fixtures, HVAC equipment / duct work, drywall, cabinets, interior doors / hardware, carpet and pad, plumbing fixtures, removal and replacement or SNiPER® Treatment of specific components.

Our firms Treatment Protocol for Tainted Corrosive Drywall or Chinese Drywall has been documented as 100% successful.

Our SNiPER® Treatment affords Clients a CDW / TCDW Specific Insurance Policy, covering any future out-gassing or environmental issues