WSJ: Feds launch probe on Chinese drywall
Feb 23, 2009
South Florida Business Journal--February 20, 2009
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched a federal investigation of problems caused by high-sulfur Chinese drywall, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
The Journal said the commission is focusing on whether the sulfur-based gases emitted from the drywall are corroding household wiring and posing a potential safety hazard, spokesman Joe Martyak said.
Earlier this week, the South Florida Business Journal reported U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson requested the probe.
The Florida Department of Health was tracking more than 90 complaints related to Chinese drywall, 15 of which are in South Florida.
Miami-based Lennar Homes has acknowledged that Chinese drywall was installed in some of its homes, and has taken steps to remediate the problem.
Other builders in Homestead and Palm Beach County also have acknowledged the problem.
Several class action lawsuits have been launched against builders and the manufacturers of the drywall.
Lennar also has filed a lawsuit against manufacturers and sellers of Chinese drywall, including Knauf Plasterboard, Taishan Gypsum and Florida-based Banner Supply Co.
Nelson helped write tougher regulations on imported Chinese toys.