Federal agency details drywall air sampling goals September 14, 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a press release that provides some basic goals of the current investigations pending, with regard to imported Chinese drywall.  Other agencies taking part in the drywall inquiry include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The press release expresses that the primary focus is upon protecting the health of families living in potentially affected homes.

While the aforementioned agencies are all taking part in the investigation, the CPSC is leading the efforts to identify any possible health risks.  The agency has stated that the investigation will yield data that will then need to be assessed intensely, as the conclusions drawn from the process are likely to have broad implications.

The process, while far from simple, has fundamental aims – to measure the levels of gases that may be emitted from the drywall.  One example of the investigation in progress is the EPA’s involvement in performing air sampling and home monitoring in Louisiana and Florida.  The CPSC is using 50 homes as a test population in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida, to gain samples from a broad array of possible sources.

Homeowners who wish to obtain private inspections may do so, to gain the peace of mind associated with knowing the home is safe to reside in.  While many inspectors exist, residents of Virginia Beach may want to consider this source as a possible starting point.  Additionally, obtaining the advice of an experienced attorney can help homeowners determine the best course of action.