Drywall Protection Bill Clears U.S. House

Drywall legislation that aims to protect homeowners from the tainted building material passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week but activists say that the measure comes too late to help some families who have already suffered financially and physically from the bad wallboard.

The News-press.com reported that the bill is still a long way from becoming law as there is no guarantee the U.S. Senate will take up the House measure. There is no similar legislation sponsored in the Senate.   And activists say that bill seeks to fix problems that have mostly worked their way through the courts.

For instance, a New Orleans federal judge recently ruled that affected families may claim damages from Taishan Gypsum Ltd., a major manufacturer of allegedly defective Chinese drywall, according to News-press.com.

Contaminated drywall, manufactured mostly in China, is found in thousands of homes across 42 states, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the District of Columbia.

The contaminated drywall has a bad odor and emits sulphur compounds that corrode air conditioning coils, electrical wiring, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other metal products. Inhabitants have suffered from health problems such as nosebleeds and respiratory issues.

However, federal health and environmental officials — including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — have not found enough evidence to classify defective drywall as a major health hazard.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe product like defective Chinese drywall, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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