Legal News

Owners of new homes may have more to worry about than the mortgage. In a Press Statement released November 23rd, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced results from a 51 home study it has completed regarding the effects of Chinese drywall. Homeowners in states across the country have reported both health problems and corrosive effects on metals and wiring in their homes which may now be linked to the presence of drywall imported from China. The CPSC's investigation centers on three main issues:

1. evaluation of the relationship between the drywall and the reported health symptoms;
2. evaluation of the relationship between the drywall and electrical and fire safety issues in the home; and
3. the tracing of the origin and distribution of the drywall.

The CPSC safety study began in response to more than 2000 reports from 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico from consumers and homeowners regarding Chines drywall problems. According to the CPSC, homeowners have reported health issues including mild symptoms such as itchy eyes, running noses and headaches, as well as more severe symptoms including bloody noses, sinus infections and asthma attacks. These health issues often disappear when the individual is away from home and reappear on returning home.

The material effects being linked to the drywall are mostly corrosive issues with metal, pipes and wires in the home. Some homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning units, appliances and non-insulated copper wiring. The CPSC's Press Statements says, "We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes." The CPSC is continuing to investigate potential issues with electrical and fire safety. 

Consumers largely report that their homes were built in 2006 to 2007, when an unprecedented increase in new construction occurred in part due to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. If you would like to report problems related to drywall to the CPSC, you may fill out an online form at: hhttps://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/drywall.aspx, or call toll-free at 1-800-638-2772 or send an e-mail to info@cpsc.gov.

Related Resources:

• CPSC Drywall Information Center (CPSC)
• Press Statement on Corrosion in Homes and Connections to Chinese Drywall (CPSC)
• CPSC General Counsel IRS Drywall Guidance Letter (CPSC)
• Consumer Protection Laws and Agencies (FindLaw)
• Product Liability FAQ (provided by Harris Penn & Lowry, LLP)
• Personal Injury FAQ (provided by Frenkel & Frenkel, L.L.P.)