Defective Chinese Drywall FAQs

How is Chinese drywall damaging homes?

Owners of homes built with Chinese drywall first reported an offensive smell similar to rotten eggs. The usual cause of that smell is sulfur dioxide. Next came reports of corrosion of air-conditioning coils, then electrical wiring and copper plumbing. Some have reported corrosion of personal items, especially metal jewelry.

Are there health concerns?

A number of health problems have been reported by owners of homes built with defective Chinese drywall. Symptoms include asthma attacks, congestion, coughing, dizziness, ear infections, eye irritation, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea, nosebleeds, rashes, runny nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, sinus problems, sore throat, tightness of the chest, and urinary tract infections.

What's in Chinese drywall?

Chinese drywall contains fly ash, recovered from the exhaust emissions of coal-burning power plants. Fly ash contains the toxic elements and compounds found in coal. One of these dangeousis sulfur, released from Chinese drywall as sulfur dioxide, which causes the rotten egg-like smell. Defective Chinese drywall may also contain a number of heavy metals suspected of causing health issues.

Who is liable for damages?

Liability for damages that may be caused by Chinese drywall is a question that will soon be decided by the courts. There are a number of lawsuits pending. In many previous defective product cases, the manufacturer has been found to be ultimately responsible, but the liability chain can also include shippers, distributers, suppliers, and those who use defective products in secondary manufacturing.

What should I do?

If you think you're a victim of Chinese drywall, enlist the aid of an experienced defective products attorney. Never go it alone against anyone in the liability chain. They have attorneys protecting their interests; you need one, too.