Agency Report Fails to Support Charges against Chinese Drywall

By Jim Greene

Published on November 20, 2009

In a blow to thousands of homeowners seeking financial assistance in dealing with property damage and health issues they blame on dangerous Chinese drywall, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has declined to support the allegations.

The commission said its testing showed that Chinese drywall gave off more sulfur and strontium vapors that its domestic counterpart, but said it was up to other federal agencies conducting additional tests to determine whether that difference accounted for the damages claimed.

The first concerns over Chinese drywall surfaced when it was blamed for metal corrosion in new homes, beginning with air conditioning system components, then electrical wiring and plumbing. These were followed by complaints of health problems, including asthma attacks, congestion, coughing, dizziness, eye irritation, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and nausea.

Defective product liability lawsuits have been filed in several jurisdictions against the Chinese drywall manufacturers, shippers, distributors, and home builders.

The CPSC said it has received complaints from 1,900 homeowners, but that others were reporting to state agencies, so that the number of people actually alleging damage is difficult to determine. What is known is there have been complaints in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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