Lawmakers warn of quick-fixes for toxic drywall November 19, 2009

Unfortunately, when disaster looms there are generally opportunities for some to profit off of the despair of others.  While federal agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others are investigating the scientific links to reported health and product issues, another agency has been called upon to inquire into profiteering quick-fix drywall solution promoters.  Namely, the Federal Trade Commission has been addressed by some lawmakers seeking to avoid this side-issue.

The Mississippi Business Journal reported that Sen. Thad Cochran (R. Miss) and Roger Wicker have joined other lawmakers in requesting the federal government provide help for consumers who may be targeted by suspicious, profit-driven corporations or persons who offer quick-fix toxic drywall solutions.  Specifically, the Federal Trade Commission received correspondence from the senators who requested that there be investigations into persons offering solutions to drywall, amidst the already ongoing scientific investigations.

The Senators noted in the letter to the FTC, “As we work together with the designated federal and state agencies to develop real solutions to the problems created by contaminated drywall, it is important that the FTC ensure that homeowners are protected from companies seeking to make fast money off the misfortune of these homeowners.”

While homeowners are in an understandably dire situation (facing second mortgages, renting homes, or even living in trailers temporarily), consumers must differentiate between mere shams, and legitimate remediation remedies.  As the trials in the multidistrict litigation process draw closer, it is the hope of many State Senators that these concerns are brought to light, and letters to various agencies, like that mentioned above, will prompt federal authorities to combat the issue on all fronts.