CPSC releases status update for the investigation of imported drywall August 12, 2009

In July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a status report which stated that the agency had received 608 incident reports across the U.S.  Recently released data portrays a sharp influx in reports, encompassing two new states.  Thus, consumers in 23 states and the District of Columbia are now possible victims of dangerous Chinese drywall.

The CPSC released a supplemental status report citing 202 additional reports, equating to a total of 810 nationwide.  Pennsylvania and South Carolina now are included in the list of states with residents complaining of potential toxic drywall issues.  According to the CPSC, the bulk of the reports persist in their origins; the majority coming from Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia.

The CPSC has publicly announced that the focus of their investigations are two-fold: First, scientific pursuits with regard to establishing a causal link between the health issues residents are experiencing with the drywall in fact, and second, tracing the “chain of commerce” of the potentially hazardous material.

Over the course of the past month, the CPSC has conducted and/or sponsored the following investigative endeavors:

• Testing various samples to specify specific emission compounds (The Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory)
• Indoor sampling program, studying 50 homes
• Drywall manufacturing facility site visits
• 44 incident investigations, viewable on the Drywall Information Center website
• Testing for radioactive phosphogypsum contamination

Currently, the CPSC and attorneys general of states affected are coordinating efforts to exchange information, agreements, and confidential data.  Notably, the CPSC has received permission to begin an investigative visit to China, scheduled to begin August 17.  Several sites will be investigated that have been selected based upon detailed research and previous investigation.

The process of investigating the chain of commerce is complicated, but at this point, the CPSC has conclusively stated that it has confirmed 6,211,200 sheets of Chinese drywall imported into the United States.  To aid in the investigation, the agency is hiring temporary staff to help with the monumental task of providing consumers with more information – information which will eventually determine whether liability exists, and on whose shoulders it shall be placed.

Homeowners in Virginia have the opportunity to attend a free town-hall style informational session, headed by pioneer attorney Richard J. Serpe.  At the meeting, Mr. Serpe will discuss relevant topics relating to local investigations, remediation updates, court hearings and the Virginia class action, and upcoming scientific testing of Virginia homes.  This  meeting is open to the public, and will be held Monday, August 24 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library.

The meeting will take place at 111 W. Ocean View, Norfolk, Virginia 23503 – homeowners are urged to attend for free information.  Additionally, there will be the opportunity to interact via a live question and answer session.