At the beginning of the 21st century in America, several factors coincided to create a major building and remodeling boom, especially in the southern United States. The availability of mortgage money prompted developers to speed up construction of new homes. A population influx of over 2 million was added to the tax base in Florida, according to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, and the south was destroyed by several devastating hurricanes. All of these events added to the housing boom and the need for drywall became urgent. An inexpensive source for obtaining this drywall in the years 2001 to 2007 was China.
The Importation of Chinese Drywall to America
Prior to 2001, drywall was produced in America and sold at both the retail and wholesale levels. When the demand for the product increased with a building boom that began in 2000, the Chinese import found its way to the United States. The defective version of this product has been traced back to 2001. Manufacturers and distributors of the defective Chinese drywall have had several muli-million dollar lawsuits filed against them.
Chinese Versus Domestic Drywall
Drywall consists of a gypsum aggregate sandwiched between two thick layers of treated paper. Gypsum and plaster are the main components of the aggregate. The gypsum is a byproduct of the gas and mining industries, obtained when desulfurization occurs. Domestic drywall is white or light gray in color. Chinese drywall is dark gray, tan or pure gray. The Chinese drywall emits a sulphur-based smell and laboratory research conducted by EMSL Analytical identified carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide as possible culprits. The southern humidity increased the emissions and a foul and destructive odor was produced.
Damage by Chinese Drywall
Uninsulated copper piping and wires were corroded by the toxic emissions generated from the Chinese drywall. This corrosion affected air conditioning coils and wiring, mirrors, light fixtures, sink hardware and door and cabinetry hinges. People living in homes that used Chinese drywall became ill, with respiratory problems the major complaint. Although the studies have not confirmed that the Chinese drywall caused the ill health, people living in homes constructed with the material had serious health complaints.
Remediation
U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon of New Orleans has awarded homeowners millions of dollars in remediation funds due to the effects of Chinese drywall. Class action lawsuits are pending in several states, and Judge Fallon has stated strongly that remediation must include the removal of all wiring within the home in order to totally eradicate the effects of Chinese drywall. Insurance companies have agreed to homeowners stripping their homes down to the insulation and removing all metal and copper wiring and hinges. In effect, homes must be completely rebuilt from the framing to rid the house of the damaging Chinese drywall.
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