Potentially deadly drywall

Saturday, April 18, 2009 | 2:09 a.m.

Some homeowners in Florida and other parts of the Southeast are complaining about odd illnesses, smells coming from the walls and corroding copper pipes and wiring.

They blame drywall made in China that was used in their homes, which were all built in the past few years. They say the drywall is loaded with toxins that are being released into their homes.

An Associated Press analysis of shipping records indicates more than 500 million pounds of Chinese-made drywall came into the U.S. from 2004 to 2008. Most of it arrived in 2006 to meet the nation’s demand during the housing boom, particularly as the Gulf Coast was trying to rebuild after devastating hurricanes.

Some people suggest the drywall could be in more than 100,000 homes across the country. So far, the problems mostly have been reported in the South. Homeowners say the smells and problems become worse when the heat and humidity rise. Experts say in drier parts of the country, including Nevada and California, problems may not appear for years.

The manufacturers have denied there is a health hazard with the product. The Florida Health Department found that the drywall releases “volatile sulfur compounds,” which can produce a rotten-egg smell and lead to corrosion in metals and wires. The department, however, said it needed more study to determine health hazards.

Dr. Patricia Williams, a University of New Orleans toxicologist working for a homeowner’s attorney, found the imported drywall full of hydrogen sulfide, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide and carbon disulfide. Prolonged exposure to those compounds can cause respiratory ailments, damage to the central nervous system and potentially death.

A group of federal agencies is investigating the claims and the potential health hazards, and it should be aggressive. The drywall is the latest in a string of hazardous products that have come into America from China. It is time for the federal government to provide the appropriate regulation and oversight to protect the public.