While Florida seems to be the most effected area, with more than 36,000 homes damaged, it is estimated that more than 300,000 homes across the country may have been built with the defective drywall from China, even if they have not yet experienced problems. The Southeastern United States is the most affected region by these defects due to the humidity and moisture, but states such as Nevada and Arizona have also been listed as having severe problems as well.
Following the 2005 hurricanes, millions of pounds of defective drywall were imported into the U.S. between 2002 and 2007, after the hurricanes caused a shortage of U.S.-made drywall due to the housing boom and construction surge. Houses rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina have also been affected. It is said that building materials may have exceeded 500 million pounds during this four-year period of soaring home prices.
Researchers are still uncertain as to what causes the reaction, but there are several theories as to why this happening. Some believe that fumigants are sprayed on the drywall and material inside it, and claim that the drywall is made with a coal by product that is less refined than what is used in the U.S. The dry wall, which have been linked to strontium and elemental sulfur, release a strong rotten-egg stench, intensifies when exposed to heat and humidity. This can destroy air conditioners, corrode electrical wiring and copper, ruin other appliances, blacken jewelry and silverware, and sicken people. Symptoms include: respiratory irritation, headaches, eye irritation, nose bleeds, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Please contact someone at Messa and Associates for more information.
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