Chinese Drywall claims

During the housing boom in Florida between 2004 and 2006 and following the scramble for construction material following Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005, building suppliers began importing drywall from China to meet demand instead of using domestically produced drywall. Reports indicate that tens of millions of square feet of Chinese-made drywall was used in new home construction during this time period.   At the center of the drywall problems is China-based Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of German-based Knauf.   The federal government, the Florida Health Department, environmental consultants, and more than a dozen new home builders have launched investigations into the imported Chinese drywall emitting noxious sulfur-based gases that may be corroding air conditioning coils, electrical systems, plumbing pipes, and other metal items and also raising the alarm of potential health danger from chronic exposure.  The problem appears to be concentrated in the Southeast, an area which blossomed with new construction during the housing boom and where damp, humid climate appears to cause the drywall to degrade more quickly.  This drywall problem has caused extensive damage to many homes, and some homeowners have been forced to leave their homes due to a horrible stench of rotten eggs which grows worse with heat and humidity.   Health officials are most concerned that the Chinese drywall fumes could be especially dangerous to the young and elderly population. 

Recently, Florida Senator Bill Nelson petitioned both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate whether the Chinese drywall may be toxic.  On February 20, 2009, the EPA launched a federal investigation into whether the sulfur-based gases emitted from the drywall are corroding household wiring and posing a safety hazard to home occupants.  Several class action lawsuits have been filed in the State of Florida against manufacturers of the drywall on behalf of hundreds of Florida homeowners who have reported problems with Chinese drywall in their homes.      

Could you have Chinese Drywall in a new home?  Common signs to look for: 

• Does your home have a rotten egg type smell?
• Have you suffered from respiratory issues or allergy-type symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches, or nosebleeds since moving into your new home?
• Are the copper coils in your heating/air conditioner corroded or black or do you have copper wiring or metal pipes that show corrosion?
• Do you have frequent problems with your home air conditioning or other electrical systems?
• Do you have tarnished metal fixtures outside of the wallboards (including drains, shower heads, faucets)?

The true extent of the Chinese drywall problem is not entirely known.  This once again highlights the recent rash of safety problems with Chinese exports, ranging from food to toys.  The law firm of Alley, Clark & Greiwe is investigating claims of homeowners who suspect they have the imported Chinese drywall in their home.  Please contact us for important information regarding your legal rights.

Helpful Consumer Links: 

Click here to learn how to file a consumer complaint with the Florida Department of Health

Click here to read about February 2009 federal probe into Chinese drywall

Click here to read article from The Wall Street Journal dated January 12, 2008

Click here to view Florida Department of Health's Frequently Asked Quesitons (FAQ) over imported drywall