Chinese Drywall Problems
Chinese drywall imported from approximately 2001 until 2006 may have been contaminated with excess levels of sulfur contaminants that have created health and safety issues for people living in buildings that were constructed with these products.
There are a number of manufacturers that are under investigation, and there are several lawsuits currently underway in the United States and Canada. Any US Senate subcommittee has scheduled hearings about problems with Chinese drywall, and many people across the country have reported health and safety problems.
Common symptoms that may indicate you have problem in your home or business include the strong smell of rotten eggs, and damage to air conditioners and related equipment due to excessive corrosion created by the excessive So2 levels. It is speculated that the gypsum that was used to manufacture this drywall came from specific mines in China that had excessive levels of organic material, as well as toxic materials that were left over from previous industrial operations.
In early 2009 Florida’s governor contacted the EPA, as well as the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention requesting federal assistance to develop tests and procedures for Florida residents that may be affected by the corrosion and other health and safety issues. In March of 2009 the Drywall Safety Act was introduced as legislation to recall Chinese drywall and ban the import of it from China.
There have been a number documented health and safety issues with sulfur dioxide (SO2). Excessive levels of SO2 in the air can cause breathing problems for people with asthma, and sulfate particles from the SO2 can gather in people’s lungs. In the most extreme cases this can result in premature death. Some people have also had visibility impairment, and sulfur dioxide accelerates the decay of building materials and equipment due to its acid compounds. It is also a significant contributor to acid rain which damages the environment.
There have also been studies that link the defective Chinese drywall to corrosion of electrical wiring and other household appliances due to excessive sulfide gases that seep out of the drywall.
The potential problem is huge. In Florida alone there are an estimated 40,000 houses that are believed to contain Chinese drywall. It seems that the majority of houses in North America that may contain defective drywall imported from China are located in Florida, Louisiana, and a few of the other southern states. But there have also been claims reported throughout Canada and the rest of the United States.
Filed Under Chinese Drywall Lawsuits, Chinese Drywall Problems, Health and Safety Issues |
Tagged With center for disease control, Chinese Drywall Lawsuits, Chinese Drywall Problems, defective drywall, Health and Safety Issues, sulphur dioxide
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