Hampton Roads not immune from Chinese drywall problems August 14, 2009

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently reported that at the present time, reports from 23 states and the District of Columbia have filed complaints regarding Chinese-made drywall.  One of the most problematic states thus far for the agency has been Virginia, which has seen lawsuits filed in Norfolk.  Named as defendants in a suit filed in April includes a Chesapeake contractor, a Virginia Beach builder, and a supply firm that allegedly imported around 100,000 sheets of drywall in 2006.  Attorney Richard J. Serpe intends to update the public at a town-hall style meeting which he will be conducting Monday, August 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Norfolk. – homeowners are urged to attend, as he will discuss updates regarding this case and many others.  The meeting is scheduled to take place 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.

The suit, as reported by The Virginia Pilot, was filed by a couple seeking $600,000 in damages.  Soon thereafter, an insurance company filed suit in federal court against a local developer regarding defective drywall.  Local developer, The Dragas Cos., is inspecting homes and has stated it is willing to assist homeowners in remediation if it is shown that Chinese drywall is present.

Local homeowners have described problems such as chemical and acidic odors emanating throughout their households and malfunctioning appliances such as air conditioning units and even televisions.  As reported, some of the chemicals suspected to be present in the Chinese-made drywall have corrosive tendencies.  Residents of other states  have even reported that jewelry is developing a black film.

The CPSC is currently investigating the relationship between drywall and reports filed.  To view an updated status report, visit the CPSC’s recently released public memo.