If you live in a home that was built or remodeled in the last few years and smells like rotten eggs, you may have a Chinese Drywall problem.
Since around 2004, more than 500 million pounds of drywall has been imported from China, and much of it is defective. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Chinese Drywall that is now causing problems in many American homes contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and other sulfides, and emits sulfur dioxide that produces the odor of rotten eggs. The sulfur dioxide also causes metals (such as air conditioning coils and computer cables) to corrode. Exposure to sulfur dioxide fumes can also be associated with illnesses, such as respiratory and sinus problems.
Much of the Chinese Drywall that was imported into the United States was placed into homes in the Southeast after several years of devastating hurricanes required intense rebuilding. Most of the complaints about the Chinese Drywall come from states such as Louisiana, Florida or Mississippi, where the warm, humid environment encourages the emission of the sulfur dioxide fumes. However, Chinese Drywall was likely used in all parts of the country, but the effects may be less noticeable where the climate is cooler and dryer.
If you have Chinese Drywall in your home, you may not only experience exposure to unhealthy sulfur dioxide fumes, but you also may be unable to sell your home. Most States require that a home seller disclose adverse conditions that affect a home for sale, and if you know that your home is contaminated with sulfur dioxide fumes as a result of defective drywall, you probably have to disclose that to a buyer. This will impact the value of your home.
In addition, if the drywall in your home needs to be replaced because it emits sulfur dioxide, your homeowners’ insurance may not cover the replacement costs. Many insurance companies will consider a situation like this to be pollution or contamination that most insurance policies do not cover.
If you have suffered property damage and/or personal injuries as a result of Chinese Drywall installed in your home or business, please contact us to discuss your legal options.