Virginia among the hardest hit states by Chinese drywall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has seen complaints flow in surrounding toxic Chinese drywall from more states than not, but some specifically have been hit the hardest.
Federal agencies provide tips, assistance
Federal agencies will most likely continue to react and respond to legislative measures, consumer issues, and the developing lawsuits taking place in the federal court system.
The Roots of the Chinese Drywall Problem: Part I
[4] Watered down domestic protectionism in the traditional sense is not a bad thing, as it simply alludes to the fact that free-trade is facilitated in a more efficient manner. The problem arises at a later point in the consumer protectionism context, where the TBT and SPS agreements are so limiting upon government that certain standards are left to industries.
Chinese drywall victims gain knowledge at town hall meeting held by Richard J. Serpe
In Newport News, Virginia, officials have expressed frustration with the lack of options. The Daily Press quoted Madeline McMillan, Newport News council member, as stating “As a municipality, we are limited. We don’t have the funds or a mechanism for the funds to channel to [homeowners in my jurisdiction], so it’s frustrating for me…[m]y heart goes out to them.”
Date rape drugs in toys, dangerous pet food, toxic drywall: When is enough enough?
The past decade has been fraught with instances of outright dangerous products coming to the American market from China, with little regulation and less accountability. The phrase “Made in China” has turned into a cultural catchphrase, evidencing the fact that China is now the largest owner of U.S. treasury debt and a primary source of American consumption.
Unique detection methods prompted by lack of quality import control
As thousands of homeowners over the past year have discovered defective drywall in their homes, authorities are struggling to cope with the unprecedented crisis. It seems that all methods to identify problem drywall are being utilized by those on the front lines. K-9 scent detection is now in use.
Canines are often referred to as “man’s [...]
Major indoor air study shows “strong association” between Chinese drywall and corrosion
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a press release indicating that based on a major study of over 50 homes, indoor air sampling tests pointed to a “strong association” between homes with Chinese drywall, hydrogen sulfide, and metal corrosion.
U.S. mounting hardware company complains of drywall moisture
The scientific investigations that have been performed by the CPSC and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have primarily focused on the corrosion of metals and toxic gasses/fumes that have been reported from a wide array of states. The CPSC has in fact confirmed a link between corrosion and the presence of Chinese manufactured drywall. According to some, a corollary issue to the noxious fumes may be the presence of humidity. As one industry representative explained, moisture may play a role in speeding up the process of the release of fumes.
Chinese Drywall and Health Problems: The Investigation Continues
Many people who have been exposed to Chinese drywall claim that it has led to many medical conditions including breathing problems, nose bleeds, and headaches among others. To get a better idea of the health effects of Chinese drywall, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is leading an investigation. Although it took many months of consumers complaining, it is good to know that the Consumer Product Safety Commission is finally going to dig deeper into this problem.
Expert witness points to lack of foreign manufacturer accountability as prevalent issue
One home inspector, according to news source lawyersandsettlements.com, Florida, Louisiana, [and Virginia] are not alone with regard to affected states. Texas has even seen its share of reports. The overarching question seems to be where to pin liability. The Chinese entities involved complicate the multidistrict litigation where trials are expected to begin in early 2010. Likely, the distributors will bear the brunt of much of the responsibility, according to the aforementioned home inspector. As an expert witness, he noted that while the cases he has been involved in did not go to trial, the Chinese manufacturer was not accountable.