It’s Wednesday, November 04, 2009 and the weather is chilly but dry right now in Bellingham, WA. The day is almost done and computer problems can wait until tomorrow. Tried to easily covert an agent’s Outlook Express to Outlook (you know-import files, contacts, folders) and we had a few problems to say the least. Soooo, not so easy! However, I think we have major issues resolved, but then tomorrow is another day. We’ll see!

Drywall from China seems to be causing major problems across the nation. This drywall  is releasing sulfur compounds that provide a rotten egg smell, and causes corrosion to copper used in plumbing and air conditioning tubing, electrical wiring, bathroom and kitchen faucets, appliances and other metal products. Possible health problems created by the gypsum (drywall) include irritated eyes, nose bleeds, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, symptoms similar to bronchitis and asthma. Some are even complaining of headaches and vomiting.

During the 2004-2007 housing boom and the rebuilding efforts following hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Wilma, there were North American raw material shortages of drywall. These shortages were addressed with imports from China where drywall was cheap and abundant. Imports exceeded 500 million pounds during a four-year period. This is enough to build 100,000 average-size homes. Since some of the drywall was used for renovations, the number of homes affected is believed to far exceed 100,000.

Most of the complaints come from the southern states where a warm, humid climate encourages the emission of sulfur fumes. According to the CPSC, Florida received 60 percent of the imported Chinese drywall since 2006. Outside of the Florida ports, other major ports receiving this imported material include Long Beach, Oakland and Seattle on the U.S. west coast.

The U.S. government recently banned all imports of Chinese drywall and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has been working to develop a preferred method for homeowners to deal with the problems the gypsum may cause. Experts believe a solution will be neither quick nor inexpensive. Until a preferred remediation plan is formalized, the CPSC suggest you consult a physician if you believe you drywall in making you sick and contact state and local authorities to report the problems and see what type of help in available in your particular area. If you have concerns about the potential electrical and fire-safety issues, you may want to contact your electric or gas supplier and a licensed electrician or building inspector as soon as possible*

 *Information gathered from HGExperts.com and The Bellingham Herald, November 1, 2009 Lawsuits mounting over ‘problem’ drywall form China