Chinese drywall problems continue throughout the U.S. – a backlash of the building boom in the mid 2000′s.  There was so much construction that U.S. drywall manufacturers couldn’t keep up the orders AND when typical orders from Mexico and Canada dried up, the drywall was imported from China.  As it turns out, the drywall from China contains contaminants that emit a sulphuric odor and cause corrode the metal parts of homes (pipes and vents, for example).

In Florida, an insurer decided against renewing coverage for a homeowner after refusing to pay out for replacing the tainted drywall.  They have since reversed the decision, but this same process may be playing out all over the country.

Meanwhile, homeowners are being sickened by the toxins.

Odors and corrosion are clearly evident in the Massachi house.

The pungent, rotten-egg-like smell permeates the two-story home. Throughout the house, electrical outlets are open to reveal black corrosion on the copper wiring. The air conditioning unit’s air handler, inside the house, is blackened.

“This is disgusting. It’s so corroded. I can’t even believe it,” Amy Massachi said in a raspy voice. “I can’t breathe. Every morning, I wake up with sinus allergies, my voice is hoarse.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is pressing China to pay for replacing the faulty drywall, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Many owners of homes with suspect drywall have had to move out of their properties, and four members of Congress earlier this month sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency seeking assistance for them. Ms. Tenenbaum said she was also prepared to ask Congress for mortgage relief for homeowners who have had to move out of their unsellable houses and sometimes purchase second homes.

Perhaps President Obama’s trip to China next month will help bring solutions to this problem.

Corrosion is a major problem (besides the smell) from Chinese drywall.  Photo by Treehugger.com.