Government officials are investigating allegations that recent renovations and new builds in Florida, Louisiana and Alabama may be hazardous to health.
Chinese made drywall, imported during the building material shortage in 2005/6 are the homes most likely to be at risk according to the Consumer Safety Commission. The Florida Health Department is investigation over one hundred fifty complaints from homeowners who expressed health problems related to the drywall.
A class-action lawsuit is under-way which alleges this drywall has caused problems in the three states that not only results in property damage but negative health affects too. It is alleged that the composition of the drywall includes high levels of sulfur, which produces acid in the form of Sulphuric acid. It is also believed to be producing noxious gases like carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and hydrogen sulfide. These gases can be identified by the rotten egg small they produce, and are connected to respiratory problems and other health issues.
The lawsuits allege that the imported drywall is causing these health problems which also include headaches, asthma, coughing, dizziness, ear infections and eye irritation to name a few.
In the wake of these problems companies such as Chinese Dryall Experts have sprouted up to offer a solution to home owners suffering from bad drywall.
Damage to the property is thought to be because of the high levels of sulfur which in box gas and liquid form corrodes wiring, copper based pipes and maybe even building fixings. Appliances have failed, home wiring has been declared unsafe and structural elements like steel brackets, braces and nails have also been found to be corroded.
The material shortage arrived as a result of hurricane Katrina. The demand for building supplies was so great in order to rectify the devastation left behind, that suppliers had to import what they couldn’t produce. One of these materials was the drywall made by Knauf Tianjin Ltd. Knauf is a household name in the building trade, having a worldwide presence and profits in the hundreds of millions. They aren’t the only company who imported the drywall though, there were many other companies who did the same, but Knauf always labeled it’s material so was the easiest to identify.
It is estimated that in the period between 2004 and 2007 over one hundred million pounds of this Chinese drywall was imported into the United States and used in home construction. Over thirty seven million of those came though Florida and is believed to have been used here. Current estimates cite that this material may be present in over one hundred thousand homes throughout the state.
The situation isn’t as clear cut as it may seem though, as there has so far been no definitive proof that the health issues are related to the import. It is only subjective proof so far that points the finger in that direction. Tests and studies are still being undertaken in order to find out exactly what is going on.
The situation is still evolving but all evidence collected so far points towards Chinese imported drywall being the cause of both the damage to homes, and the health issues suffered by the occupants.
