Chinese Drywall

Plaintiffs' Personal Injury Law Firm

Chinese Drywall

Drywall is a building material used in the construction of homes and other buildings. It basically forms the interior walls and ceilings and is made of gypsum plaster that has been pressed between two thick sheets of paper. In 2005, after major hurricanes hit the US coastal regions, construction companies were forced to purchase imported drywall from China, due to the exhaustive need for drywall in new and re-construction. Thus, the commonly used term, Chinese drywall. It has been estimated that 30,000-50,000 homes were either constructed or repaired with Chinese drywall during 2004-2006.

The term began to make headlines in 2007 when certain newly constructed homes in the humid regions of Florida and Louisiana began emitting the foul odor of sulfur, appliances stopped working and residents started complaining of chronic health problems, such as sore throats, sinus problems and nose bleeds. Upon closer examination of these homes, it was discovered that most of the copper wiring in the home was severely corroded. The Consumer Product Safety Commission along with other state and federal agencies got involved in the controversy and it was determined that the drywall used in the construction of these homes contained volatile and toxic sulfur compounds and strontium.

The investigation at that point went underway in full bloom, and origin tracing of the contaminated drywall led the authorities mainly to a plant in China, Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Company, a subsidiary of Knauf International, which is a German based company. Homes in 22 states have reportedly been found to have the contaminated drywall in them and over 500 complaints by homeowners have been filed. Families living in the infected homes have been ordered by their doctors to leave their home premises until renovation can be completed, creating a considerable expense to these patients. Residents must now make mortgage payments and rent payments at the same time, which could lead to the possibility of losing their home altogether.

Some of these homes were originally valued at $1.2 million, but are now considered worthless until renovation can be done to remove all of the toxic chemicals. This will require completely gutting the home and replacing all wiring and drywall. Authorities are not sure that even this drastic step will remove the problem, because there is evidence that the compounds may have transferred to other building materials in the home and even personal objects within the home. Residents may be looking at a total loss.

If you or someone you care about is living in a home that is emitting a sulfur odor and construction or repairs of your home took place between 2004-2006, take the necessary steps to protect your health and then contact the professional attorneys at Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm for a complete case evaluation. You may be eligible for compensation.

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