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Broward County mayor: Legislators torpedoed Chinese drywall aid
BY ALLISON ROSS
Palm Beach Post
Efforts to expand health testing and limit builder liability related to Chinese drywall got torpedoed this legislative session, Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter told a group of homeowners, building contractors, real estate agents and bankers Monday.
One proposal had called for $400,000 in funding to go to the state department of health for Chinese drywall-related testing, Ritter told the group. And an amendment sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, that proposed absolving certain homeowners, suppliers, contractors and installers of liability was withdrawn after being attached to at least three bills.
Ritter made her remarks at a lawyer-sponsored ”Toxic Drywall Roundtable” at the Heron Bay Marriott in Coral Springs.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist last week outlining plans to investigate Chinese drywall, and assuring the governor that the EPA is taking the issue seriously.
”I share your concerns and can assure you that EPA is working with our federal and state partners to address the challenges posed by imported Chinese drywall,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson wrote.
The letter came in response to one sent last month by Crist asking for federal assistance.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1033040.html
Federal Chinese Drywall Probe Revving Up
Problems with defective Chinese drywall have prompted the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to ask for emergency funds from Congress. According to palmbeachpost.com, the funds will be used for expenses related to the CPSC’s Chinese drywall probe.
Chinese drywall has been causing problems in newer homes across the country. The material reportedly emits sulfur fumes that fill homes with a “rotten eggs” odor. The fumes from the drywall have also been linked to corroding metals in many of the homes, and people living with the material have reported sinus and respiratory problems. Many residents have had to leave their homes because the Chinese drywall has made them unlivable, and some builders are scrambling to gut homes and replace the drywall.
Building Industry Experts Join Forces to Find Solutions to Toxic Chinese Drywall Problem
One of the leading forensic experts on building envelope water intrusion and toxic mold, Spiderman Mulholland, is joining forces with a network of professionals to combat the Toxic Chinese Drywall issues facing the United States today.
Collaborating with top toxicologists, chemists, material and building scientists, forensic investigators, remediation and construction specialists and individuals with laboratory and inspection expertise is essential to the research efforts.
The group intends to plan and implement a cost-effective program aimed at battling the crisis that has impacted 41 states.
Mulholland, a leading expert witness in Toxic Chinese Drywall cases, is currently developing protocols for inspections and remediation.
“Our main focus is being driven by the needs of homeowners and the serious life-safety issues we believe could be critical to their well-being,” Mulholland said.
Chinese drywall was installed in more than 100,000 homes between 2004 and 2006. Among the highly toxic compounds being found are hydrogen sulfide, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide and carbon disulfide. Prolonged exposure can cause serious problems to the nervous system.
The manufacturer has acknowledged that the drywall is defective, but emphasizes that not all China drywall from that period is tainted. Recent findings show that some U.S. stamped drywall may also be toxic.
Given the rise in health complaints, residents are advised to be aware of symptoms including nose bleeds, headaches, coughs, upper respiratory or sinus issues, eye irritation, fatigue, difficulty breathing, body aches and rashes.
Physical evidence includes HVAC-unit failure or electrical appliances, copper coils turning black, corroded electrical wiring, tarnished silver jewelry or utensils and light bulbs burning out at a faster rate.
Although the smell of rotten eggs in a home could indicate a toxic drywall problem, Mulholland’s investigations show that is not always the case.
Some groups are relying on air sampling methods to determine drywall problems; however that method is unreliable, Mulholland says.
Mulholland’s company, US Building Consultants Inc. has an accredited testing facility that can determine toxic-drywall problems. He inspects and consults in drywall cases.
Senators push bill pressing for recall of Chinese-made drywall
bill pressing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall Chinese-made drywall and temporarily ban imports of the building material as worries about the possible effects of the tainted product continue to grow.
Widely used to rebuild in the wake of 2004’s hurricanes, some Chinese-made drywall wallboard has been found to emit sulfuric gases believed responsible for corroding such metallic items as electrical wiring, air conditioning components, toilet handles and even jewelry. Some residents have also complained of respiratory problems.
According to the Port Import Export Reporting Service, enough drywall was imported from China since 2006 into 12 states to build about 61,150 homes.
It is not known how much of that drywall was problematic.
More than 150 homeowners claiming to be affected by Chinese drywall are on a list compiled by the Florida Department of Health.
Locally, problems have been reported by residents of Cobblestone Creek in Boynton Beach, the Promenade at Tradition in Port St. Lucie and Woodfield in Vero Beach, among others.
In addition, homeowners and builders in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia and other states have complained of problems stemming from the drywall.
”Anytime you have mounting evidence of potentially toxic goods you have an obligation to act quickly to protect consumers,” Nelson said Monday.
Nelson and Landrieu’s proposed legislation calls for a CPSC study carried out in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
The study would examine samples of Chinese-made drywall used in homes in Florida as well as Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia.