In recent months, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received numerous reports from people in 19 states and the District of Columbia involving odors, health symptoms and corrosion problems they blame on imported drywall.
Mississippians are among those with homes constructed from drywall that emits fumes and damages metal and electrical components in walls.
Health Concerns
Residents of homes built with certain types of imported drywall report respiratory discomfort, including the smell of sulphur or "rotten eggs", irritated and itchy eyes and skin, persistent cough, bloody noses, recurrent headaches, and asthma attacks. The federal Centers for Disease Control are still investigating the risks of long-term exposure to chemical related to drywall. Those most likely to be affected are asthma sufferers, those with existing respiratory difficulties such as asthma or COPD, and the elderly.
Reporting Problems
If you believe you were sold imported Chinese drywall, you can file a complaint with the Mississippi Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
You can also contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's investigators by filing a complaint with that agency.
- CPSC Consumer Drywall Complaint Form
- Toll-free complaint line: 1-800-638-2772
More Information
- CPSC: Drywall Information Center
- How can I tell whether my home has problem drywall?
- Guidance on Repairing Homes With Problem Drywall
APRIL 2010
