Will anyone ever listen?

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/23/chinese-drywall-a-hazard-to-american-homeowners/
Chinese drywall a hazard to American homeowners
Tom Kraeutler


DrywallOwners of Florida homes built between 2004 and 2005 have discovered dangerous Chinese drywall to be behind heating and air conditioning system failures, as well as air quality issues in their homes.

With the home building industry already in a tail spin, this latest fatal flaw is potentially impacting home values in a big way, as the drywall has been confirmed as the source of both home system failures and air quality issues.

Imported and used in new construction during the Gulf Coast building boom of 2004-2005, the drywall was manufactured in China by Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. Domestically produced gypsum drywall is generally the first choice of U.S. builders, but supply shortages in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and lower prices ushered the Knauf product into many a new build.

****After a few years of mounting homeowner complaints, testing completed this month by both the manufacturer and high-volume builder Lennar Corp. has confirmed that the drywall is releasing sulfur-based gases that corrode air-conditioner coils, computer wiring and even metal picture frames hung on drywalled surfaces.

****As if that's not enough, there also an odor─a rotten-egg smell that's released when the drywall is cut into for repairs and structural investigations. The Florida Department of Health has tested these gaseous emissions and determined that they don't pose an "immediate health threat," but additional testing continues as homeowners worry about their families' health and the reduced resale potential of their homes.

Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and co-author of My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure.

***************
~

~
***************

----
I took the following from a few links I had clicked from within that article and others

***************
But Florida might not be the only state affected. The head of one consumer advocacy group told BradentonHerald.com that it has received drywall complaints from homeowners in Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, North and South Carolina, New York and New Jersey. Given the amount of Chinese drywall that has been imported to the U.S. since 2004, the group estimates that the problem could affect as many as 10,000 Florida homes, and thousands more nationwide, BradentonHerald.com said.

The drywall problems have sparked a number of lawsuits, including a class action complaint filed by, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP. The lawsuit, which was filed late last month in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that Knauf and other defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was "unreasonably dangerous" in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, "when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid."
http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/4758

...consumers are complaining about problems that seem to lift when they are away from the toxic Chinese Drywall. Also, the Florida Department of Health says that current emission levels from drywall testing pose “no immediate health threat.” Those exposed to the problem disagree. Health concerns and health problems reported include an array of respiratory problems, nosebleeds, irritated eyes, and headaches. Of very serious concern is the possibility that the Chinese Drywall is emitting excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide fumes, which can cause extreme irritation, unconsciousness, and even death.
There are concerns that the horrible smell coming from Chinese drywall is an indication that the material is emitting toxins that could be dangerous to the health of residents. According to a report on Environmental Expert.com, the drywall is made from gypsum, a natural material. The problems appear to be related to the presence of iron disulfide (FeS2 pyrite). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon isulfide (CS2) are also suspected as culprits, the Web site said.

Health officials are still trying to determine what health problems these fumes might cause. A toxicologist for the state of Florida recently told one newspaper that the odor causes people to experience mild and moderate respiratory irritation that clears up when they leave the homes. Other residents have reported that they are experiencing headaches that also go away when they leave their houses. Other symptoms being reported included irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and symptoms similar to bronchitis and asthma.

Especially worrisome is the possibility that the Chinese drywall is emitting hydrogen sulfide fumes. Exposure to 50 parts per million of hydrogen sulfide for more than ten minutes can cause extreme irritation. Inhalation of 500 to 1,000 parts per million can cause unconsciousness and death through respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation

http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Defective_Chinese_Drywall

If you are a homeowner in California, Nevada, Arizona, Louisiana, or Texas, and are experiencing any of the above-referenced health problems and/or mechanical problems; or have noticed a putrid smell emitted from your walls, please contact Jennifer immediately at (800) 901-5119 or by email at legal_investigations@hotmail.com.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida's construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida's drywall problems. Another Chinese drywall maker, Taishan Gypsum, has also been implicated.

http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/4700

***************

So... If you have remodeled or built, please think... Call your contarctor.
Cheap is not always best.

***************

Also if you are in the market to buy a home. (Sweet Pea, are you listening)?

XOXO
Me

Keep in mind the sulfur smell...
Either yourself, or your dog, has obnoxious gas, or there is something obviously wrong!