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.
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.