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.
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.
$3.5 million spent so far on government drywall investigations
The investigations, the tasks which were charged to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were initiated to establish a nexus between the reported damages stemming from 32 states. The damages reported have been both health and property related. Most complaints are alleging respiratory symptoms, headaches, and other like symptoms. Property reports tend to be associated with sulfur-like odors in the home that make habitation unbearable, the corrosion of metals, and damages to piping and air conditioning units.
Officials determine Chinese drywall samples contain elevated levels of sulfur
The testing of the Chinese drywall samples included indoor air testing of numerous homes in both Louisiana and Florida. It is expected that at some time in November or December, test results will be released addressing the results of a study encompassing 50 homes. As reported in recent articles, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is leading the investigations, with help from other various relevant agencies on the state and federal level.
Senate bill proposed to set formaldehyde standards
As the scrutiny mounts pertaining to possibly dangerous toxic Chinese manufactured drywall, the Senate is now considering passing a bill that would provide federal standards for formaldehyde levels permitted in Chinese composite wood products such as fiberboard and drywall, which is routinely used in the construction of homes in America.
Chinese drywall may cause damage to numerous household appliances
While the majority of complaints received by the Consumer Product Safety Commission cite foul smelling odors and corrosion, one homeowner pointed out that over the past couple years he has seen damages to a variety of household items – including a television, coffee pot, and ice maker.
Why is Chinese drywall potentially harmful?
With the influx the Consumer Product Safety Commission has seen in complaints filed regarding defective Chinese drywall, some homeowners are scratching their heads – asking the question: What exactly is causing the health problems and metal corrosion in my home?
Chinese drywall complaints continue to derive from across the Nation
The complaints which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has been fielding now equate to a total of 1,311 reports. 26 states are implicated, in addition to the District of Columbia. The majority of reports cite illnesses and metal corrosion to household appliances, wires, and other mechanisms.
Environmental Protection Agency releases drywall sampling analysis
Due to the numerous consumer concerns relating to imported Chinese drywall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working with the Consumer Product Safety are coordinating efforts to investigate and address the matter.
Toxic drywall air sampling is an inspection mainstay
Regardless of the conclusivity with regard to the meticulousness of the method of air sampling, the technique appears to be a mainstay with regard to being, at the very least, a component of inspection protocol in both the private and governmental sectors.