Defective Chinese drywall problems have caused more than 3,700 reports to be filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by those who believe they have suffered a serious health complication as a result of having been exposed to defective Chinese drywall. Reports have been filed by those who live in 40 U.S. states, Washington D.C., America Samoa, and Puerto Rico.
Chinese drywall was largely used to build U.S. homes between 2004 through 2008 in the aftermath of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons and during the subsequent housing boom. While Chinese drywall is estimated to have been used in up to 65,000 homes throughout the U.S., the Associated Press approximates that 540 million pounds of Chinese drywall was imported between 2004 and 2008.
Currently, most reports of defective Chinese drywall problems have been filed by homeowners in the South, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; however, experts suspect that:
- Initial reports are so abundant in the South due to the fact that the weather in this region brings out the signs of defective Chinese drywall more rapidly than colder weather does.
- The number of reports regarding defective Chinese drywall problems will continue to increase in the future as public awareness of this defective product grows and as more homes start portraying the signs of Chinese drywall problems.
Types of Defective Chinese Drywall Problems
Defective Chinese drywall is a friable material, meaning that, as it ages, it is more likely to crumble and release potentially toxic chemical dust follicles into the air that typically result in:
- Bloody noses
- Breathing problems or asthma attacks
- Chronic headaches
- Itchy skin
- Irritated eyes
- Runny noses
- Sinus infection
- Unrelenting coughing.
For some, these symptoms of defective Chinese drywall problems will disappear or dissipate when they are no longer exposed to the drywall, but they will return as soon as exposure to the defective drywall resumes.
Presently, the long-term effects of exposure to defective Chinese drywall are unknown and are being investigated by researchers. However, some speculate that chronic exposure to Chinese drywall can result in nerve damage, lung cancer or even death.
Signs that Your Home Contains Defective Chinese Drywall
Your house may contain defective Chinese drywall if there is/are:
- A rotten egg smell in the house (due to the drywall emitting the noxious gas known as sulpher)
- Corrosion or blackening of some metal items (such as wires)
- Failure of the copper piping in air conditioners.
If you suspect that your home contains defective Chinese drywall, contact your homebuilder or a certified expert for a professional assessment. Those who have been exposed to and injured by defective Chinese drywall will have a strong defective device claim “ and they will be entitled to a settlement for their injuries, losses, pain, and suffering. Prospective parties can learn more about their legal rights and entitlements by receiving a complimentary, no obligation initial consultation with one of our Chinese drywall lawyers.
