Florida Fire Marshall Suspects Chinese Drywall Could Be Flammable
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As if the problems with the foul smell coming from Chinese drywall in some Florida homes is not problem enough - now we learn that the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are testing to see if the toxic drywall contributes to fires. The source of two fires is in question and tests are underway by the state.
We already know that the odorous drywall corrodes electrical wires and air conditioner coils.
The CPSC has received 608 incidents reports from 21 states about the Chinese drywall, most of the complaints coming from Florida, Louisiana and Virginia.
The CPSC has issued a status report on Chinese drywall in this country.
It finds that some of the drywall was made with a radioactive phosphorus substance—phosphogypsum—that is banned for use in construction in the U.S. and the health risks of phosphogypsum are uncertain. The analysis of content should be completed by the Environmental Protection Agency by August 21.
CPSC staff is currently pressing for approval to visit China including specific mines and manufacturers.
The CPSC has asked China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine for a list of all drywall producers that used the LuNeng mine, which is located in the ShanDong province.
It has been confirmed that 5,503,694 sheets of Chinese drywall were imported into the U.S. in 2006 and it's possible there were even more shipments than that.
If you believe your home may have been built with defective drywall from China, your best bet is to hire an injury attorney who can help you keep track of the litigation that is underway. Lawsuits have been transferred to federal court in New Orleans.
With the construction industry suffering in this economic downturn it will be crucial to know which home builders step up to the plate to help consumers. In Florida, WCI and Lennar both have set aside about $40 million for remediation.
That may help rebuild hundreds of homes but residents should take care for the lifetime of health problems that could occur if they choose to continue living in these questionable homes. No amount of money will compensate you for damages to your health. #