According to recent news reports, there may be anywhere from 36,000 to 100,000 homes across the country built between 2003-2008 that may contain tainted drywall imported from China. Drywall commonly used for interior walls and ceilings in homes is usually manufactured in the U.S. however, due to several hurricanes and the building boom, a shortage of drywall occurred. To stay on schedule many builders had to order drywall from outside the U.S. Unfortunately, this resulted in some tainted drywall being imported from China. In March, the Florida Department of Health reported that recently analyzed drywall samples from China emitted a sulfur smell when exposed to heat and moisture. The department released the analysis of samples comparing American and Chinese drywall, finding that the Chinese samples gave off the sulfur odor.
Florida’s health department is currently analyzing the potential hazards from the tainted drywall, which potentially includes damage to electrical wiring, air conditioning parts and other appliances due to the presence of sulfide gases in homes built with the product.
Florida is not alone. Media reports indicate that drywall imported from China was also used in homes in other States, including Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Legislative Action
On March 30, 2009, U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) filed two bills relating to this issue in an effort to press the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for a recall of Chinese-made drywall based in part, on findings by a Florida home builder and state officials who have confirmed the presence of sulfide gases in homes built with the drywall.
S. 739, the Drywall Safety Act, would require the CPSC to work with federal testing labs and the EPA to determine the level of hazard posed by certain chemicals and unidentified organic compounds found in the drywall. The legislation also calls for an interim ban on drywall imports until federal drywall safety standards can be created to protect consumers in the future. Nelson and Landrieu are pushing for a recall in hopes of jump-starting a process to help affected homeowners with the costs of repairs or replacement. Their legislation would make manufacturers responsible for these costs. According to news reports, a companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla.
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) also sent a letter to Governor Crist requesting the Governor declare a state of emergency over this issue. A spokesperson for Governor Crist has stated that he is not clear what practical effect a state of emergency declaration would have at this time.
Senate Resolution 91 can be found here.
Senate Bill 739 can be found here.
Senator Nelson’s news release on the legislation click here.
For video on Congressman Wexler’s actions, click here.