This is the Second Annual Expert Panel on Chinese or Defective Drywall sponsored by BESI (Building Envelope Science Institute, Inc.). It will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, 24-25 October 2010.

The conference experts will address the chemical and scientific analysis of the problem and related issues.  A panel, including Ed Light, CIH, will discuss inspections, the tools and techniques needed for identification of problem drywall, as well as the markings known to be associated with corrosion and odor.  Remediation, partial remediation and various protocols delineated by the government (CPSC), Judge Fallon in the Multi-District Litigation and others will be presented.  Another panel will present realtors’ concerns and liability, resale, stigma and warranties, as well as buying and selling homes with problem drywall and those having had remediation.  Several attorneys will tackle the legal issues, including preservation of evidence in the course of remediation.  Drs. Barbara Manis (Building Health Sciences) and Howard Weiner who have studied the health effects related to corrosive drywall will present the results of the only health study performed thus far in individuals living in affected residences.

The purpose of the conference is to provide professionals involved in the evaluation and remediation of buildings containing problem drywall with the essential knowledge and skills they need to identify the problem accurately, remediate the building effectively while preserving evidence, protecting the health of the residents and workers, as well as the value of the building.