Defective Chinese Drywall Linked to Injuries, Property Damage in Homes

Thousands of homeowners in south Florida and other parts of the country are victims of defective Chinese drywall, which is emitting a foul “rotten eggs” odor and corroding metal wiring, air conditioner coils, and other components in their homes. In many cases, residents of homes built or newly remodeled with defective Chinese drywall also suffer headaches, respiratory problems, and other medical problems, which can only be relieved by moving out of their homes and tearing out the defective building materials.

The potential for problems associated with Chinese drywall are huge, since by most estimates, as many as 10 million square feet of the defective building materials were installed in U.S. homes during the nation’s building boom from 2004 to 2006. The cost and inconvenience of having to gut a new house down to the studs and replace the defective drywall is immense.

Contaminated Gypsum Blamed for Drywall Problems

Sub-standard ingredients in the drywall are suspected of causing the problems with the building materials. The Chinese drywall contaminated gypsum which carried impurities that when they are exposed to high Florida humidity and ocean salt air during the trip overseas are causing the materials to react negatively and release chemical compounds including:

• Iron disulfide

• Hydrogen sulfide

• Carbonyl sulfide

• Sulfur dioxide

• Carbon disulfide

Physical Injuries, Property Damage

People who live in homes built or remodeled using defective Chinese drywall since about 2001 have reported suffering a range of physical injuries. Residents have suffered eye irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, nose bleeds, and other ailments.

Defective Chinese drywall also has been linked to extensive property damage in homes where it was used. The most common complaint is a strong sulfur, “rotten eggs,” or chemical odor coming from the walls, but residents also have seen corroded air conditioner coils, metal wiring, and pipes and blackened metal jewelry.

No related posts.