Like the average American doesn’t have enough to worry about these days! Now there are major concerns about the drywall in their houses. Hundreds of people living in houses and condominiums built during the housing boom between 2003 and 2007 say that the drywall in their house stinks like rotten eggs – and the gases being given off are destroying their home’s copper wiring and eating away the coils in their air conditioning units. In some cases, people say that the gases have tarnished their jewelry, even the cutlery is being affected. Is this for real?
Unfortunately, it is. Most of the problems were first reported in the southern US with the heaviest concentration in Florida; however that is turning out to be just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the problem with rotten drywall is being reported in almost every state in the US and in many parts of Canada. The national consumer association, America’s Watchdog, describes the situation as a tsunami like problem. Even Katrina ravaged homeowners in New Orleans are reporting problems with the drywall used to reconstruct their homes
During the building boom, when houses were going up faster than a hammer can hit nail, builders ran into a drywall shortage. So, they turned to a cost effective and available supply manufactured in China for the German based Knauf Company.
How can you tell if you’ve got it in your house? Well first the sulfur like, rotten egg smell. Then check the wiring in the walls to see if it is turning black. Better yet look for the Knauf stamp on the back of the drywall. So far, there is no available scientific proof that the stinky drywall causes health problems, but in addition to the smell, many homeowners are reporting respiratory problems, nosebleeds, headaches and allergic reactions.
You may want to reach out and touch a lawyer or that consumer organization in Washington D.C.. They’ve got all the info you need.
Jumping Jackrabbits! What’s next for the poor American consumer?