Late this month or sometime next month, several government agencies are expected to release the results of their investigations into homeowner complaints of drywall imported from China containing corrosive elements that have damaged homes and occupant health. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, agencies could issue a recall of drywall imported from China if a significant electrical, fire, or health hazard is found to exist in homes built with the product. Some builders have stepped up to correct bad drywall installations, while class-action lawsuits are being developed to seek restitution for affected homeowners.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been tracking drywall complaints from homeowners and coordinating an investigation into the issue with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Download the latest update on the CPSC's investigation. Custom Home also blogged about the CPSC's investigation in July.
For more information on the CPSC's efforts and findings to date, visit www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall.
Stephani L. Miller is Associate Web Editor for Custom Home.