Contamination of Chinese Drywall Could Be Radioactive

According to recent reports, the toxic material responsible for the plague of health problems and homeowner woes may have been identified. A substance known as phosphogypsum was reported by the L.A. Times to potentially be the root of claims of defective Chinese drywall. The substance has been been banned in the United States after tests showing that prolonged exposure led to an increased chance in the development of lung cancer. However, no regulations are currently in place in China where the material has been used for at least a decade.

The construction material in question was imported between 2000 and 2007, though by some estimates the imports of Chinese drywall to the U.S. jumped 17-fold between 2005 and 2006. The construction boom in the U.S., specifically in Gulf coast regions of the Southeastern United States decimated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita saw such a demand for construction materials that many suppliers were completely sold out of their domestic supplies of drywall. Turning to imports made sense for several reasons; Imported Chinese drywall was markedly cheaper than domestically manufactured drywall and was easily accessible. This alluring offer had several importers and construction supply companies jumping at the chance to simultaneously save money and profit from their corner on the market.

Despite the profitability and accessibility of the Chinese drywall, the potential health concerns drastically overshadow the benefits. Claims of strange odors emanating from homes containing the imported drywall began to surface over the past few years, along with reports of corrosion of copper, mirrors, electrical wiring and even antique silver. More alarming than the aesthetic concerns of tarnishing and corrosion were the reported health problems supposedly brought about by exposure to defective Chinese drywall. Respiratory problems, sinus blockages, and fatigue were all common reports from homeowners living in dwellings containing the imported drywall. Upon further investigation, toxicologists reported the drywall was contaminated with some substance which caused it to leak some toxic gas into the home. Initially, the health concerns and corrosion were thought to be the result of sulfur gases leaking into the homes from the drywall. However, if the claims of phosphogypsum contamination are true, the radiation emitted from the radium present in the drywall could be the cause of more health problems in the long term.

A house possibly affected by contaminated drywall is a daunting and potentially insurmountable concern for homeowners in difficult economic times. It is therefore advisable for any individual who believes they have been negatively impacted by defective Chinese drywall to contact an experienced attorney at their earliest convenience. A possible class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, importer, or builder could result in enough compensation to effectively eliminate any contamination from the drywall.


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