Defective Chinese Drywall Lawsuits

Causes of Defective Chinese Drywall

According to a defective drywall class action lawsuit recently filed by Morgan & Morgan, the problems associated with the Chinese drywall were caused by the use of waste material in the manufacturing process. The defective drywall was made with waste material from scrubbers in Chinese coal-fired power plants. These waste materials (also known as fly ash) can leak into the air and emit harmful sulfur compounds, including sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Some reports have linked the problems to the presence of iron disulfide (FeS2 pyrite), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon disulfide (CS2). Hydrogen sulfide fumes are particularly dangerous; exposure to 50 parts per million of hydrogen sulfide for more than ten minutes can cause extreme irritation. Inhalation of 500 to 1,000 parts per million can cause unconsciousness and death through respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation, according to environmental experts.

On the other hand, according to the L.A. Times, Chinese experts suspect that the cause of the defective drywall problems is a radioactive substance known as phosphogypsum. Because prolonged exposure to the substance can increase the risk of lung cancer, phosphogypsum has been banned for construction use in the United States; however, it is still used by Chinese manufacturers. Chinese customs reports acquired by the newspaper indicate that drywall containing phosphogypsum was sent to the United States by at least four Chinese manufacturers.

While the health effects of phosphogypsum are relatively unknown, experts are reportedly worried about the substance's widespread use. In addition, industry specialists are troubled by the possibility that it was exported, especially after certain toys and candy recently imported from China were tainted with harmful substances.

Because the cause of defective drywall problems is still uncertain, research is currently being conducted. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched on an ongoing study and testing of the defective Chinese drywall. In addition, the University of Florida's Rinker School of Building is examining the sources of drywall's main ingredient, mineral gypsum, and how high-sulfur gypsum may cause a rotten egg smell and metal corrosion. After a few initial studies, the school may seek grants to further investigate the defective drywall problem.

If your home contains defective drywall, our attorneys may be able to help file a claim to help get you the compensation you deserve. Fill out our free, no obligation case evaluation form to hear from a defective Chinese drywall attorney.