Contaminated Drywall: Examining the Current Health, Housing and Product Safety Issues Facing Homeowners

The purpose of the hearing today is to provide an update on the health and product safety issues associated with problem drywall installed in thousands of homes over the last decade. It’s a story that we all know well. Drywall was imported from China in large volumes during the height of the housing market when domestic supplies were low. It was used extensively in Florida and Louisiana following the devastating hurricanes of 2005. In early 2008, homeowners in Florida and Louisiana began complaining of a peculiar odor that was permeating their homes. They also reported health concerns and serious corrosion of metal in the homes. Investigators were able to trace these problems back to drywall laced with sulphur and sulphide gases.