Update on Chinese Drywall problems

While many of the Real Estate blogs today may be focusing on the extension and expansion of the First Time Home buyer tax credit, I think an update on Chinese Drywall problems might be appropriate. The residents of homes with Chinese drywall often have to leave their house and may be forced to pay a
mortgage on the house they vacated and rent on a new place.

Most of the following data was found in an Article in the November 2009 edition of The Well Workplace, page 7.

As of May 21, 2009 the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had received more than 349 reports from residents of 16 states and the District of Columbia, pertaining to Chinese drywall. These residents believed that their health symptoms and/or corrosion of metal within their homes might be related to the presence of Chinese drywall. State and local health authorities have also received reports about these types of problems and some cases have even been reported to regional Poison Control Centers.

Several Federal and state agencies are jointly investigating the problems that might exist in residences that have Chinese drywall. These agencies are trying to determine if Chinese drywall is emitting chemicals that could cause health risks to residents.

According to The Well Workplace, Chinese drywall was initially imported into the U.S. in 2003 and is still in use.

To see related posts click here and also here. For a report about Chinese drywall in Virginia read this blog.

Some of the common problems reported by residents in homes with Chinese drywall include:

• A "rotten egg" smell or odor of matches or fireworks in the home.
• Blackened and corroded metal components in the homes as well as frequent replacement of metal components in air conditioning units.
• Blackened silver ware and/or jewelry.
• Irritated and itchy eyes and skin.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Persistent cough.
• Bloody and/or runny noses.
• Recurrent headaches.
• Sinus infection.
• Asthma attacks.