Chinese drywall refers to drywall manufactured in China by various manufacturers, including Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Knauf Gips KG. From January to September 2006, about 52 million pounds of Knauf drywall were delivered to New Orleans, and 37 million pounds of Knauf drywall were shipped to Florida ports.
Chinese Drywall and Toxic Chemicals
According to lab tests, unfortunately, Chinese drywall has tested positive for toxic chemicals, including carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide. All of these emissions emit a foul, rotten egg odor that intensifies with higher temperatures and humidity levels. While most structures with defective Chinese drywall are in the Southeast, namely in:
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Virginia
Side Effects of Defective Chinese Drywall
Health problems associated with exposure to toxic Chinese drywall include:
headaches
nose bleeds
respiratory tract infections, marked by breathing difficulties, ear infections, bronchitis, sore throat and/or fever
sinus problems
Indications that Chinese drywall is defective include:
The smell of rotten eggs that worsens with heat and humidity
Blackening or corroded copper pipes and silver jewelry
Imprints of “Made in China,” “China,” or “Knaug Tianhin”
Federal Inquires into Chinese Drywall
In February 2009, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (of FL) petitioned the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asking these agencies to investigate the toxicity of Chinese drywall and its potential dangers in the home. This triggered a formal federal investigation that, by Nov. 23, 2009, culminated in a report that:
Identified a strong association between Chinese drywall and the corrosion of pipes
Highlighted a possible link between hydrogen sulfide emissions and reported health problems
Compensation for Chinese Drywall Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of Chinese drywall in your home, you will likely be entitled to a settlement that will compensate you for your:
Outstanding medical bills
Ongoing treatment costs
Permanent disabilities
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Injured parties can get their case started as well as get expert advice on how to proceed with their claim, by consulting an esteemed defective drug attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. For more than 10 years, we have been aggressively and successfully going up against corporate lawyers and insurance companies to help injured clients recover compensation for their injuries and losses as a result of defective products including Chinese drywall.
Gacovino, Lake & Associates employs a team of successful litigators, experienced in cases similar to your own. To find out whether you qualify to seek compensation for the damages you incurred, please contact our law offices today. We will assess your specific case in a free and private consultation.
