Florida Jury Awards $2.4 Million in Chinese Drywall Case
June 22, 2010 – A Miami-area construction supplies company will have to pay a precedent-setting $2.4 million settlement for damages related to faulty Chinese drywall installed in a local home, a local jury decided Friday.
The plaintiffs sought $4.3 million for damages and losing the enjoyment of their home and claimed the drywall supplier knew about the problems but did not notify customers or legal authorities. The jury based its decision in part on evidence showing officials for the drywall company, Banner Supply, had forwarded customer complaints about drywall to the company’s supplier in China. The Chinese supplier then replaced the remaining supply of Chinese drywall with drywall manufactured in the United States, and Banner Supply officials allegedly agreed not to notify customers or state or federal authorities.
Attorneys representing the drywall supplier argued the firm should not be liable for damages exceeding the actual cost to correct the problem, and the case establishes a precedent in Florida and guidelines for similar cases in other states.
Some Chinese drywall imported primarily between 2004 and 2006 has been found to be defective and contain potentially corrosive elements. But Florida isn’t the only state dealing with the problem. The Louisiana Legislature recently approved a measure protecting homeowners against insurance cancellations due to having Chinese drywall in their homes. If signed into law, the measure would ban homeowners insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew insurance policies, but insurers may increase insurance premiums or deductible amounts. The proposed law specifically refers to drywall manufactured or imported from China before this year and would impose a maximum $15,000 fine on insurance companies for violations.
Affected by contaminated drywall more than any other state, Louisiana has had thousands of homes equipped with defective drywall manufactured in China, much of which was installed during massive rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and others Gulf Coast cities in 2005.
Officials for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued an official report recommending homeowners remove all traces of Chinese drywall and replace all electrical wiring and components, gas piping, fire-suppression systems and any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The preventive, yet very costly, maintenance is designed to protect homes against potentially corrosive compounds found in thousands of U.S. homes equipped with Chinese drywall.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Researchers concluded there is merit to the thousands of complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
Studies indicate hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
A more recent federal study showed various drywall samples manufactured in China emitted the most reactive hydrogen sulfide with some producing 100 times more of the potentially corrosive substance than drywall from other nations. Although the study discovered several acceptable samples of drywall manufactured in China, samples produced in China during 2005 and 2006 generally fared the worst against non-Chinese products. Samples of drywall manufactured in China in 2009 generally tested much better than earlier batches.
Deliberations Underway in Florida Chinese Drywall Case
June 18, 2010 – The case of a Miami home contaminated with bad Chinese drywall will prove to be a precedent-setting legal decision in Florida and elsewhere as the jury began deliberations yesterday.
The Florida jury will decide to what extent a drywall supplier is liable for damages done to the home in question. Attorneys representing the drywall supplier argue the firm should not be liable for damages exceeding the actual cost to correct the problem. Chinese drywall imported primarily between 2004 and 2006 has been found to be defective and contain potentially corrosive elements.
But Florida isn’t the only state dealing with Chinese drywall. The Louisiana Legislature recently approved a measure protecting homeowners against insurance cancellations due to having Chinese drywall in their homes. If signed into law, the measure would ban homeowners insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew insurance policies, but insurers may increase insurance premiums or deductible amounts. The proposed law specifically refers to drywall manufactured or imported from China before this year and would impose a maximum $15,000 fine on insurance companies for violations.
Affected by contaminated drywall more than any other state, Louisiana has had thousands of homes equipped with defective drywall manufactured in China, much of which was installed during massive rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and others Gulf Coast cities in 2005.
Officials for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued an official report recommending homeowners remove all traces of Chinese drywall and replace all electrical wiring and components, gas piping, fire-suppression systems and any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The preventive, yet very costly, maintenance is designed to protect homes against potentially corrosive compounds found in thousands of U.S. homes equipped with Chinese drywall.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Researchers concluded there is merit to the thousands of complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
Studies indicate hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
A more recent federal study showed various drywall samples manufactured in China emitted the most reactive hydrogen sulfide with some producing 100 times more of the potentially corrosive substance than drywall from other nations. Although the study discovered several acceptable samples of drywall manufactured in China, samples produced in China during 2005 and 2006 generally fared the worst against non-Chinese products. Samples of drywall manufactured in China in 2009 generally tested much better than earlier batches.
Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Protections Against Chinese Drywall
June 16, 2010 – The Louisiana Legislature has approved a measure protecting homeowners against insurance cancellations due to having Chinese drywall in their homes.
If signed into law, the measure would ban homeowners insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew insurance policies, but insurers may increase insurance premiums or deductible amounts. The proposed law specifically refers to drywall manufactured or imported from China before this year and would impose a maximum $15,000 fine on insurance companies for violations.
The measure does not cover business insurance policies and likely will be signed into law soon by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Upon signing, the law would be in effect only until July 1, 2013.
The measure, Senate Bill 595, was introduced by Sen. Julie Quinn (R – Metairie) and met with rapid approval in the Legislature. Affected by contaminated drywall more than any other state, Louisiana has had thousands of homes equipped with defective drywall manufactured in China, much of which was installed during massive rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and others Gulf Coast cities in 2005.
Officials for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued an official report recommending homeowners remove all traces of Chinese drywall and replace all electrical wiring and components, gas piping, fire-suppression systems and any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The preventive, yet very costly, maintenance is designed to protect homes against potentially corrosive compounds found in thousands of U.S. homes equipped with Chinese drywall.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Researchers concluded there is merit to the thousands of complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
Studies indicate hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
A more recent federal study showed various drywall samples manufactured in China emitted the most reactive hydrogen sulfide with some producing 100 times more of the potentially corrosive substance than drywall from other nations. Although the study discovered several acceptable samples of drywall manufactured in China, samples produced in China during 2005 and 2006 generally fared the worst against non-Chinese products. Samples of drywall manufactured in China in 2009 generally tested much better than earlier batches.
But even among samples of Chinese drywall judged unacceptable, the likelihood of damage is relatively remote. About 80 percent of samples of all kinds of drywall produced no potentially dangerous bacterial growth, even among samples with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years. Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill.
Louisiana Senate Initiates Chinese Drywall Protection
April 27, 2010 – The Louisiana Senate yesterday unanimously approved a measure preventing insurance companies from acting against homes or businesses with Chinese drywall installed.
The measure, Senate Bill 595, was introduced by Sen. Julie Quinn (R – Metairie) and met with rapid approval after having been contested during a committee hearing last week. The bill seeks to prevent insurance companies from increasing homeowners or commercial property insurance premiums, canceling insurance policies or refusing to renew insurance policies based on whether or not homes or commercial properties contain drywall manufactured in China.
The measure defines Chinese drywall as drywall manufactured in China before Jan. 1, 2010. Senate Bill 595 now goes to the Louisiana House of Representatives for consideration in the House Insurance Committee. More than any other state, Louisiana has had thousands of homes equipped with defective drywall manufactured in China, much of which was installed during massive rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and others Gulf Coast cities in 2005.
Officials for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued an official report recommending homeowners remove all traces of Chinese drywall and replace all electrical wiring and components, gas piping, fire-suppression systems and any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The preventive, yet very costly, maintenance is designed to protect homes against potentially corrosive compounds found in thousands of U.S. homes equipped with Chinese drywall.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Researchers concluded there is merit to the thousands of complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
Studies indicate hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
A more recent federal study showed various drywall samples manufactured in China emitted the most reactive hydrogen sulfide with some producing 100 times more of the potentially corrosive substance than drywall from other nations. Although the study discovered several acceptable samples of drywall manufactured in China, samples produced in China during 2005 and 2006 generally fared the worst against non-Chinese products. Samples of drywall manufactured in China in 2009 generally tested much better than earlier batches.
But even among samples of Chinese drywall judged unacceptable, the likelihood of damage is relatively remote. About 80 percent of samples of all kinds of drywall produced no potentially dangerous bacterial growth, even among samples with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years. Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill.
Federal Officials Advise ‘Gutting’ Chinese Drywall
April 5, 2010 – U.S. homeowners afflicted with corrosive and foul-smelling drywall manufactured in China should completely remove all of it as well as costly electrical and metal components, according to federal officials.
Officials for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued an official report recommending homeowners remove all traces of Chinese drywall and replace all electrical wiring and components, gas piping, fire-suppression systems and any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. The preventive, yet very costly, maintenance is designed to protect homes against potentially corrosive compounds found in thousands of U.S. homes – particularly homes equipped with Chinese drywall since the summer of 2004.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Researchers concluded there is merit to the thousands of complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
“We have shared with affected families that hydrogen sulfide is causing the corrosion. Based on the scientific work to date, removing the problem drywall is the best solution currently available to homeowners,” said Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum.
Research results indicated hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
A more recent federal study showed various drywall samples manufactured in China emitted the most reactive hydrogen sulfide with some producing 100 times more of the potentially corrosive substance than drywall from other nations. Although the study discovered several acceptable samples of drywall manufactured in China, samples produced in China during 2005 and 2006 generally fared the worst against non-Chinese products. Samples of drywall manufactured in China in 2009 generally tested much better than earlier batches.
But even among samples of Chinese drywall judged unacceptable, the likelihood of damage is relatively remote. About 80 percent of samples of all kinds of drywall produced no potentially dangerous bacterial growth, even among samples with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years. Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill.
Louisiana Lawmakers Act to Protect Homes with Faulty Drywall
March 24, 2010 – As one of the states strongly afflicted with a spate of homes suffering from faulty drywall manufactured in China, Louisiana officials have introduced legislation aimed at protecting homeowners dealing with drywall problems.
Separate bills introduced this week in the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives prevent home insurers from raising homeowners insurance rates or canceling policies on homes in which owners file claims arising from drywall manufactured in China. Both measures also would prevent insurers from raising homeowners insurance rates of canceling coverage if an inspection shows the home contains contaminated drywall – whether or not an insurance claim had been filed. Although the bill in the House of Representatives seeks to protect only residential homes, the Senate bill would extend the same protections to commercial properties and would levy a $1,000 fine on insurers violating the proposed law.
Louisiana lawmakers said they have not heard of any cases in which homeowners had their homeowners insurance plans either canceled or premiums increased due to the problem with some Chinese drywall, but they have had many constituents express concerns they might have their premiums increased or homeowners insurance policies canceled because of the drywall problem, according to the Associated Press.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Without declaring results conclusive, researchers say there is merit to the more than 2,000 complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
“We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes,” investigators for the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in their announcement of results.
Research results indicated hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
Officials for the Consumer Product and Safety Commission intend to work with federal lawmakers to implement corrective measures and look into potential health problems tied to the substandard drywall.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years. Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill.
FEMA Denies Florida Request for Chinese Drywall Assistance
March 19, 2010 – Florida homeowners who unknowingly have had faulty Chinese drywall placed in their homes during the past decade won’t receive federal compensation after officials for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this week denied a request for financial assistance from Florida officials.
More than 2,500 residences have been identified by Florida officials as having lost value due to faulty drywall installed mostly in the early and mid 2000s and have nearly 90 other damage claims pending tied to Chinese drywall. Florida’s Lee County has had more than 1,100 homes damaged by Chinese drywall, and state officials have identified another 530 homes suffering metal corrosion after exposure to corrosive elements in some batches of Chinese drywall, the Insurance Journal reported this week.
Officials for Florida’s Division of Emergency Management last May requested financial aid through FEMA to help state homeowners afflicted with the bad Chinese drywall. State officials said Florida homeowners have “suffered greatly” and cannot afford to repair damaged homes, forcing many to move out to avoid possible health complications from noxious odors and fumes emitted by the bad Chinese drywall.
Federal officials said the bad drywall did not amount to either a disaster or an emergency qualifying for federal emergency-management funding despite much of the drywall having been placed in homes damaged by four hurricanes that pummeled the Sunshine State in 2004 and in the wake of 2005’s hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Instead of requesting emergency relief funding, FEMA officials suggested Florida officials work with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and federal housing authority officials to obtain federal assistance first made available in December to homeowners afflicted with faulty Chinese drywall.
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall contents. Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Without declaring results conclusive, researchers say there is merit to the more than 2,000 complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
“We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes,” investigators for the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in their announcement of results.
Research results indicated hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
Officials for the Consumer Product and Safety Commission intend to work with federal lawmakers to implement corrective measures and look into potential health problems tied to the substandard drywall.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years. Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill.
Louisiana Officials Tallying Chinese Drywall Problems
Dec. 9, 2009 – In light of a recent federal investigation, officials in Louisiana are encouraging homeowners who suspect they might have bad drywall manufactured in China and recently installed in their homes to report any suspected problems.
The Louisiana Recovery Authority is collecting information as part of a larger federal effort to assess the extent of problems in the United States. Some 415 Louisiana homeowners last week reported having contaminated drywall. Information is being collected online at www.lra.louisiana.gov/drywallform or by calling toll-free at (866) 684-1713 through Dec. 16
A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicated a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall material.
Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Without declaring results conclusive, researchers say there is merit to the more than 2,000 complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
“We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes,” investigators for the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in their announcement of results.
Research results indicated hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
Officials for the Consumer Product and Safety Commission intend to work with federal lawmakers to implement corrective measures and look into potential health problems tied to the substandard drywall.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years.
Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill. Among potential resolutions sought are having the Chinese government pay at least a portion of the cost to replace the faulty drywall and implementing regulatory standards to ensure similar products aren’t sold in the United States. But federal officials caution Chinese officials simply can refuse to cooperate.
Federal Report: Chinese Drywall Likely Harmed Homes
Nov. 24, 2009 – A recent federal study of 51 U.S. homes equipped with drywall manufactured in China indicates a “strong” link between in-home corrosion and drywall material.
Investigators from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with the help of Chinese officials recently conducted an indoor air study of dozens of homes recently equipped with drywall manufactured in China. Without declaring results conclusive, researchers say there is merit to the more than 2,000 complaints the federal agency has received from U.S. homeowners.
“We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes,” investigators for the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in their announcement of results.
Research results indicated hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by contaminated drywall is the primary culprit in corroding copper and silver in homes equipped with Chinese drywall. Researchers also discovered elevated levels of formaldehyde in newer homes – whether or not they had Chinese drywall. Modern cabinetry and carpeting emit low levels of formaldehyde, according to researchers. Although formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide gas amounts detected were too low to pose safety risks, federal investigators suspect a combination of them and other compounds commonly found in homes potentially might be harmful to structures and public health.
Officials for the Consumer Product and Safety Commission intend to work with federal lawmakers to implement corrective measures and look into potential health problems tied to the substandard drywall.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years.
Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill. Among potential resolutions sought are having the Chinese government pay at least a portion of the cost to replace the faulty drywall and implementing regulatory standards to ensure similar products aren’t sold in the United States. But federal officials caution Chinese officials simply can refuse to cooperate.
China Assisting U.S. in Bad Drywall Investigation
Oct. 27, 2009 – Chinese officials are cooperating with U.S. investigators looking into a rash of bad drywall reportedly causing damage to homes and forcing homeowners to renovate or risk losing their homeowners insurance coverage.
Officials for the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission are investigating claims of Chinese-manufactured drywall causing a variety of serious problems. China’s Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine is assisting in identifying specific problems.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill. Officials for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission plan to raise the matter with Chinese officials. Among potential resolutions sought are having the Chinese government pay at least a portion of the cost to replace the faulty drywall and implementing regulatory standards to ensure similar products aren’t sold in the United States. But federal officials caution Chinese officials simply can refuse to cooperate.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
While construction crews and contractors quite innocently installed the Chinese-manufactured drywall thousands of homes in recent years, homeowners are getting a jolt from insurers who refuse to renew their homeowners insurance policies and refuse to cover claims, citing a manufacturing defect. Compounding the problem for homeowners is the requirement for insurance on financed homes. When an insurer learns a home contains Chinese drywall and ceases coverage, mortgage companies can foreclose on the homes for failing to provide proper insurance protection.
Officials for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said they have received 1,500 complaints of property damage and health problems from residents of 27 states and Washington D.C. Health-related complaints generally were about breathing problems, recurring headaches and nose bleeds.
Chinese Drywall Nixing Homeowners Insurance
Oct. 16, 2009 – American homes recently manufactured or repaired using drywall from China have become a liability for owners who suddenly have found their insurance coverage canceled as federal officials consider implementing regulatory standards for imported drywall and other construction materials.
As the U.S. housing boom hit its peak near the turn of the century, a shortage of construction materials forced many builders to utilize drywall manufactured in China. Unfortunately, some Chinese drywall contains gypsum and trace elements of strontium sulfide, which can emit corrosive sulfuric compounds and an odor similar to rotten eggs.
Many homeowners have blamed the Chinese drywall for corroding their homes’ copper pipes, causing other property damage and making family members ill. Officials for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission plan to raise the matter with Chinese officials. Among potential resolutions sought are having the Chinese government pay at least a portion of the cost to replace the faulty drywall and implementing regulatory standards to ensure similar products aren’t sold in the United States. But federal officials caution Chinese officials simply can refuse to cooperate.
A recent report by the Associated Press indicates some 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported to meet domestic construction demands – particularly between 2004 and 2008 when thousands of homes along the Gulf of Mexico were being rebuilt in the wake of four hurricanes slamming into Florida during a month-long stretch in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita destroying large areas of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities in 2005.
While construction crews and contractors quite innocently installed the Chinese-manufactured drywall thousands of homes in recent years, homeowners are getting a jolt from insurers who refuse to renew their homeowners insurance policies and refuse to cover claims, citing a manufacturing defect. Compounding the problem for homeowners is the requirement for insurance on financed homes. When an insurer learns a home contains Chinese drywall and ceases coverage, mortgage companies can foreclose on the homes for failing to provide proper insurance protection.
Officials for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said they have received 1,500 complaints of property damage and health problems from residents of 27 states and Washington D.C. Health-related complaints generally were about breathing problems, recurring headaches and nose bleeds.
Federal officials estimate about 100,000 homes in the United States contain Chinese drywall. The total cost of replacing the faulty drywall could reach $25 billion, according to the Towers Perrin consulting firm. Some Chinese drywall manufacturers have said their products are safe and suggested bad gypsum tainted only some of the materials shipped to the United States in recent years.