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Federal Investigation: Results In On Drywall Chemicals, But Implications Still Uncertain
Washington, D.C. (AHN) – Preliminary results from a federal investigation have found elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in Chinese-made drywall. What that means to the makers of the material, and the people suffering in homes built with it, is uncertain.
A study conducted jointly by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency found higher levels of sulfur and strontium in the imported building material, the agencies said Thursday. Investigators were unable to find firm links between the chemicals and homeowner reports of health problems, obnoxious smells, and damaged equipment.
The investigation, which involved taking 1,200 air samples from six homes in Florida and Louisiana, has so far cost $35 million. Further testing is underway of the drywall, which was imported from China during a building boom precipitated by hurricane damage in 2004 and 2005. Until firm conclusions can be drawn from the testing, a number of issues cannot be resolved.
A major issue is an apparent looseness in quality control measures at Chinese factories. Drywall is only the latest material to have possibly been contaminated during production. In 2007 and 2008, millions of toys covered with lead paint had to be recalled. Pet food was found to contain melamine after numerous family animals sickened and many died.
The problem has become a point of contention in trade talks between the U.S. and China. China is a major exporter to the U.S., which imported $273 billon of products from the country in 2008. A decade ago, that figure was $80 billion.
It may take a long time to deal with the financial fallout from the bad drywall. More than 60,000 homes may have been built with the material. Owners claim the chemicals in the drywall have caused electrical appliances to fail and wiring to corrode. Insurance companies have cancelled policies when homeowners have filed claims. Some owners have been forced to flee their residences.
Lawsuits have been filed against builders and contractors, but it’s difficult to find many of the Chinese manufacturers. Congress is reported to be considering legislation that would make it easier to sue Chinese manufacturers.
The question of how much tainted drywall is still around has been answered, at least in part. During the study, hundreds of thousands of sheets were found in warehouses around the United States. The CPSC has told the warehouses not to sell any of the drywall, and the Department of Homeland Security is monitoring ports to make sure no more enters the country.
A more detailed report on possible health effects from the tainted drywall is due out in November.
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