Health Problems Result from Toxic Fumes Emitted by Drywall from China

Most homes and buildings throughout the United States are built at least in part from a material with many names. Often called wallboard, gypsum board, or sheetrock (after a popular brand name product), these giant boards of paper and minerals are cut to size and hung to quickly create smooth, flat walls and ceilings. For many years, this advance in the construction industry has been a boon, both to the industry and to people making smaller home improvements. However, a recent batch of drywall from China has not only contributed to the general scare over products from that country, but it has also caused some builders and homeowners to reexamine the assumed safety of these structures.

The problem with the drywall from China is that it contains dangerous amounts of toxic chemicals. Under normal circumstances, the sheets are made from minerals, which are turned into powder, mixed with extenders, and sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper. Typically, the extenders are chemicals designed to make the product more effective. For example, fire retardants are often used to combat dampness. However, in this case, some of the additives cause the drywall to emit dangerous hydrogen sulfide when damp.

Unfortunately, hydrogen sulfide is a broad-spectrum poison, meaning that it can affect almost any area of the human body. Breathing too much of this toxic gas can cause many or all of the following symptoms:

Sore throat
Cough
Nausea
Fluid in the lungs
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Dizziness
Headaches

In addition, defective drywall from China can cause a range of problems around the home. These vary from the mildly annoying to the extremely dangerous, and include the following list of household problems:

Malfunctioning home electronic appliances, or appliances that have to be replaced more often than normal.
Electrical problems related to lights and wiring within walls, which could potentially lead to dangerous shorts.
Corroded or discolored piping throughout the house.
Tarnished metal accents and fixtures.

Fortunately, as government scientists were brought on the scene to investigate claims of pain and injury, they discovered that much of the product could be linked to Knauf Drywall , a German brand that is manufactured by a plant in mainland China. Experts are warning people that, though they may have sheetrock from this company in their home, it does not mean that they are at risk. They caution consumers to check their wallboard, and to replace it if they are having problems. However, if no health issues are present, and nothing strange is happening around the house, there is probably no need to worry. Not all homes in Florida with Chinese made building materials will exhibit these problems.

On the other hand, if you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the problems above, have your walls checked immediately, and seek medical attention. After documenting the materials used to build your home, as well as having a doctor document your injuries, approach a qualified attorney to determine your rights under the law. Failure to do this in a timely manner may result in lost monetary compensation, or other rights that may be guaranteed under United States law.