Chinese drywall linked to health issues
An investigation into Chinese drywall finds that chemicals in the product could have led to a numbers of health issues. Homeowners affected by the drywall may be able to claim a write-off on their income taxes. Joel Rose reports.
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Steve Chiotakis: Later this morning, we'll get the latest on the federal investigation into problems caused by Chinese drywall. The report could have big implications for homeowners, as Joel Rose reports.
Joel Rose: The drywall under investigation was used to build an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 homes, mostly in Florida, Louisiana and Virginia. It's been blamed for nose bleeds and breathing problems, among other things.
Scott Wolfson is a spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is releasing the results of its latest investigation today.
Scott Wolfson: This is part of our commitment to families affected by this drywall issue to put scientific data out there as soon as it becomes available.
Last month, the commission said the drywall contains unusually high levels of several chemicals, including sulfur -- but stopped short of saying there was a link between those chemicals and any health problems.
That outraged Allison Grant, a Florida attorney who represents hundreds of clients with Chinese drywall in their homes.
Allison Grant: Most of the clients I spoke to, I mean my phone was ringing off the hook. They felt like they'd been slapped in the face.
Grant says today's report could determine whether homeowners with Chinese drywall can claim a significant write-off on their income taxes. The first lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in January.
I'm Joel Rose for Marketplace.
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11/25/2009
The CPSC has just determined that Chinese drywall is linked to metal corrosion in homes. People with Chinese drywall manufactured by Knauf Plasterboard Co. have until Dec. 2 to join a lawsuit against the company. Rather than go through a lengthy legal process, join this lawsuit very easily. The following Web site will give you everything you need and help you file a claim and get some closure on this difficult and costly time: http://www.Chinese-drywall-answers.com
From St. Jmes, NY, 11/24/2009
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) just released a report that has linked Chinese drywall to high levels of hydrogen sulfide and the corrosion of metals in homes. The highly anticipated report comes a little over one week before some victims of the Chinese drywall debacle face an important deadline for filing suit against Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., a maker of Chinese drywall. Hundreds of homeowners have filed suit over defective Chinese drywall, and all pending federal cases have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation currently underway in New Orleans. An agreement has been reached and victims whose homes were built with wallboard manufactured by Knauf must sign on to the omnibus class action suit against Knauf no later than December 2, 2009. This is a hard deadline; the omnibus complaint will not be amended later to add additional claimants. Eligibility involves submission of photographs or other proof that the home in question was constructed with wallboard made by Knauf Plasterboard. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is the first law firm to file a federal Chinese drywall lawsuit and is offering assistance to any homeowner interested in joining the Knauf Plasterbaoard lawsuit. Free consultations are available through the firm�s website at www.yourlawer.com or by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
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