MONTOYA | LOPEZ, P.L.

Attorneys that get the job done!

CHINESE DRYWALL INFORMATION




Montoya|Lopez, P.L. is available for consultation to homeowners throughout Florida who have suffered damage to their homes, property, and persons because of defective drywall manufactured in China.  It is believed that new homes, constructed primarily between 2004 and 2007, may contain defective and potentially harmful Chinese drywall.  Many of these homeowners have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs.  Reports indicate that the defective drywall emits a sulfur compound that corrodes wiring and other metals, causing damage to electronic equipment, wires, pipes and air conditioning systems. Chronic exposure to emissions may also cause a variety of health problems such as respiratory ailments, headaches, nosebleeds and dry eyes.  The toxic material is also believed to corrode metals within the structure, resulting in significant replacement repair costs, in addition to significant medical expenses.  It is believed that the drywall responsible for these problems was imported from China.

Many homeowners have been forced to leave their homes because of the intolerable conditions and have had to spend significant sums of money to fix their homes.  Homeowners are also concerned that the negative conditions caused by the defective drywall will reduce the value of their houses, as well as their ability to sell;  this will add insult to injury due to the already reduced home values in Florida caused by the recent real estate collapse.


Montoya|Lopez, P.L. is working with other lawyers to make sure the builders, suppliers, and manufacturers responsible for this defective Chinese drywall are held legally responsible for the damages caused by the drywall.  If you have experienced any of the problems mentioned above, you may be entitled to compensation.  Please call our Hot line at (305)665-5353 or fill out the form on the right of this page and submit the information so we may evaluate your circumstances.

Origin of the Drywall

Drywall is the board used to make interior walls.  Usually, it is manufactured in the United States, but a drywall supply shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China.  Most of the reported problems appear to be caused by drywall imported from China during Florida's construction boom years of 2004-2005.  One official with a large building supply company recently told a Florida newspaper that more than 10-million square feet of the Chinese drywall was imported to southwest Florida during that time.
Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf, is believed to be the principal manufacturer of the drywall causing most of the problems in Florida.  According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the homebuilding company Lennar is testing, and continues to test, a dozen of its Florida developments and has shared results with the state health department.  It was reported that the company has relocated several families in order to rip out and replace the drywall in their homes. The Montoya|Lopez Law Firm is investigating which other builders, manufacturers and suppliers might also be responsible for problems being caused by the defective drywall.

Chinese Drywall Health Problems

There are concerns that the foul smell coming from Chinese drywall is an indication that the material is emitting toxins that could be dangerous to the heath of residents.  According to a report on Environmental Expert.com, the drywall is made from gypsum, a natural material.  The problems appear to be related to the presence of the following compounds:

  • Iron Disulfide (FeS2 pyrite) 
  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
  • Carbonyl SulfideSulfur
  • Carbon Isulfide (CS2)
  • Dioxide (S02)


Health officials are still trying to determine what health problems these fumes might cause.  A newspaper reported that a toxicologist for the state of Florida advised that the odor causes people to experience mild and moderate respiratory irritation that clears up when they leave the homes.  Other residents have reported that they are experiencing symptoms such as:

 

  • Headaches
  • Irritated Eyes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Symptoms Similar to Bronchitis and Asthma


Also of great concern is the possibility that the Chinese drywall is emitting hydrogen sulfide fumes.  Exposure to 50 parts per million of hydrogen sulfide for more that ten minutes can causes extreme irritation.  Inhalation of 500 to 1,000 parts per million can cause unconsciousness and death through respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation, according to environmental experts.

It is important to note that the long-term effects of contaminated Chinese drywall are not yet known.  Several investigations commissioned by the governmental bodies and health agencies are currently underway and ongoing.

Health officials are concerned that the Chinese drywall fumes could be especially dangerous to certain segments of the population that are more sensitive, such as children and the elderly.  People with asthma and chemical sensitivities could also be at a higher health risk.
Quick Facts About Chinese Drywall

How Can You Determine Whether Your Home Has Chinese Drywall?
Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not conclusively determined the criteria, some things to look for are:
  • Your home suffers from noxious sulfur odors, also described as a rotten "egg-like" smell. Many homes with Chinese drywall have this tell-tale odor, but others do not. The odor can range from severe to barely noticeable.
  • You experience health problems such as: nose bleeds, respiratory problems, headaches, sinus problems, irritated and itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and asthma attacks.
  • You find corrosion and blackening of certain metals in your home.
  • You suffer frequent failure of electrical and piping systems, such as air conditioning units.

 

Kinds of Repairs to Perform
According to the Florida Department of Health the best way to repair your home is to have the Chinese drywall removed and replaced. Other remedies, such as painting the drywall or using ozone generators, have not proved effective.

Frequently Reported Symptoms from Chronic Exposure to Defective Chinese Drywall

  • Headaches
  • Irritated Eyes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing and or Bloody Nose
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Symptoms Similar to Bronchitis and Asthma
  • Sinus Infections

What to Do If You Experience the Symptoms of Exposure to Chinese Drywall

You should contact your physician as soon as possible. Make sure to bring with you the report from the Florida Department of Health so that your physician will know what toxins you, or your family, have likely been exposed to.

Electrical and Fire Safety Concerns
Homeowner complaints include failure of central air conditioning, refrigerators, dishwashers, televisions, video game systems and other electrical devices.
QUESTIONNAIRE
CALL OUR OFFICE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
306.665.5353
 
E-Mail Address
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
City
State
Zip Code
Home Phone() -
Work Phone() -
Cell Phone() -
Name and date of birth of all ocuupants of household
Own or Rent Property?
Bought Directly from the Builder?
Name of Property Builder
Owner(s) of Record
Original Owner
Commercial or Residential?
Address of Affected property
Zip
Property Type(apt,condo,single family home)
Development Name
Number of Units in the Development
Name of Homeowner's Association (HOA)
HOA Contact
HOA Contact Phone Number() -
Property Management Company
Property Management Contact Name
Property Management Phone Number() -
Date Property was Purchased
Square Footage
Year Built/Renovated
Assessed Value of Home $
Purchase Price $
When was the first time you noticed the rotten egg/sulfur smell?
Describe how smell has changed over time (gotten better/worse-worse in am / pm?)
Have you had to frequently repair any air conditioning systems(coils, or other components)? Explain:
NOTE: We are concerned about "Freon" leaks. Have you had this problem with your air conditioning?
Have you had any problems with or failure of your electrical systems(corroded wires, appliances, TV, computer )?
Has anyone in your family experienced health issues?
Headaches?
Nose Bleeds?
Shortness of Breath?
Respiratory Problems?
Eye Irritation?
Other:
If yes to any of the above, do they clear up once you leave the property?
Describe any calls or visits you have had with your builder to discuss this problem and any response they have made:
Please provide contact information for neighbors or family and friends who believe they have this problem (NOTE: if the unit was built by the same builder, we may need to test other units to prove that this was the builder's fault in your case.)
Additional Notes and Comments
Medical Attention


Additional Information

Consumer Product Safety Commission
http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/faqs.html