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With continued reports of tainted Chinese Drywall emerging almost daily in national news, more and more homeowners are wondering if their house could be affected by the Chinese drywall problem. Public outcry and concern over potentially harmful gases leaking from the walls of recently constructed houses is reaching the ears of legislators and consumer safety advocates on a national level.
The discussion revolves around several factors, mainly the main source of contamination of tainted Chinese drywall. Allegedly manufactured in gypsum mines in China, the drywall is thought to be contaminated with fly ash, a waste product from coal when it is burned. Despite several different investigations, it is not presently clear what is causing the noxious gases to emanate from the walls. The contaminated drywall is suspected of leaking dangerous sulfur gases, identified by their corrosive properties. Most homeowners have investigated their air conditioning coils, normally constructed from copper, for corrosion. Other tell-tale signs include corrosion on copper wiring in electrical sockets and tarnishing of antique silver.
Chinese officials have seemingly validated recent claims of defective Chinese Drywall by sending a delegation from China's General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), an national administrative organization in charge of national quality standards, among other things.
While it is not currently known what the long term health effects of exposure to sulfur gases is, many homeowners living with contaminated Chinese drywall report a wide range of health concerns: eye irritation, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea and headaches. To this end, Florida's Department of Health has commissioned tests of air samples from two homes in the state to provide definitive evidence of which gases are causing the health problems. The total cost is expected to be approximately $50,000.
Florida is not the only state affected, though it is the most heavily represented. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has received approximately 600 complaints from people in 19 states and the District of Columbia, with over 75% of claims coming from Florida. Other states where reports filed with the CPSC have originated include Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
If the allegations are true, there could be serious health risks for those living in houses contaminated with toxic Chinese drywall. Many homeowners who believe they are at risk have already contacted a Chinese drywall attorney and started development of a Chinese drywall class action lawsuit. There are currently many lawsuits scheduled to be heard in different districts regarding the Chinese drywall problems. Some of these Chinese drywall lawsuits have named the home builder Lennar Corp. as the defendant, prompting others to contact a Chinese drywall attorney in order to protect their investments.
