Chinese Drywall, also called plasterboard or sheet rock, is used to construct interior walls in houses and other buildings. This is a product that has been used for decades, but in December 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Commission began receiving reports from consumers concerned that Chinese drywall was corroding metal parts in their homes and/or giving them health problems. The product in question is a standard drywall board made in China.

The District of Columbia and nineteen states, including Florida and Texas have reported incidents with drywall; the majority of cases have come from Florida. Most incidents have been reported in homes built in 2006 and 2007

Health Problems from Chinese Drywall

The dangerous drywall gives off a noxious sulfur-like odor, described by affected consumers as a “rotten egg” smell. Health symptoms include:

• Irritated eyes
• Itchy eyes and/or skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Running nose
• Persistent cough
• Sinus infection
• Asthma
• Recurrent headaches
• Nose bleed

Many people report receiving relieve of these symptoms when they leave their home, only to have the symptoms return when they return home. This led many consumers to connect the problems with the recently installed drywall.
Low levels of carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide have been found in samples of Chinese drywall. While it known that exposure to these gases can cause the various symptoms noted above, it is not known if long-term exposure produces permanent damage. It is known that chronic (long-term) exposure to low levels of these gases can cause:
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Headaches
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised healthcare providers to treat affected patients for the symptoms and to monitor them for possibility of future problems.

If you believe your health has been adversely affected by Chinese Drywall it is important to contact a product liability attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with product liability cases and they can help you win financial compensation for problems caused by Chinese drywall. Contact Newsome today. Fill out our case evaluation form to the right of the screen and one of our experienced attorneys will advise you of your legal rights regarding defective drywall and help you get the just compensation you deserve.

Corrosion Problems from Chinese Drywall

Consumers have reported corroding of metal parts in houses where Chinese drywall has been used. This is more than just expensive damage; corroded metal parts in electrical systems can lead to fires.

Failures of central air conditioning evaporator coils and intermittent failure of electronics (televisions, etc.) and appliances have been the most frequently reported corrosion problems related to Chinese drywall. Circuit breakers which need resetting often, from no apparent cause, have also been linked to Chinese drywall.

Signs of electrical problems/ fire hazards due to Chinese Drywall

• Arcing or sparking anywhere in the system.
• Sizzling or buzzing noises.
• Flickering lights or appliance which turn off or on by themselves.
• Unusual overheating of outlets, switches, and so on. It is normal for such items to be warm to the touch, but they should not be painfully hot.
• Odors—the smell of burning plastic or a chemical odor.
• Electrical shocks—even mild tingles.

Have a qualified electrician check your wiring system immediately if you notice any of these problems. Doing so could save your life and your family’s lives.

Dangers from gas leaks due to Chinese Drywall

Chinese drywall is also thought to be responsible for corroding gas pipes.

If you smell natural gas in or outside your house or building you should immediately get everyone out of the building or area. Call your gas company immediately, from a distance away from the problem area; do not use a phone in the house or outside area and do not turn lights or other appliances on as this could cause a spark which would ignite the gas.

If you cannot reach your gas company, call the fire department. All gas leaks should be repaired by qualified professionals; do not try to turn the gas off yourself.

If you believe your home’s safety has been adversely affected by Chinese Drywall it is important to contact a product liability attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with product liability cases and they can help you win financial compensation for problems caused by Chinese drywall. Contact Newsome today. Fill out our case evaluation form to the right of the screen and one of our experienced attorneys will advise you of your legal rights regarding defective drywall and help you get the just compensation you deserve.

What to do if you are experiencing possible symptoms from Chinese drywall odors

• If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms go outdoors for some fresh air.
• Avoid strenuous exercise indoors.
• Avoid the areas (if possible) where the odor is noticeable.
• See your doctor or healthcare provider.
• Report problems to state and federal health departments.