Chinese Drywall

What is Chinese Drywall? Why is it in the news? Do I need to be concerned?

Chinese drywall was imported by the US from 2001-2006 due to the large amount of construction taking place and builders needing to import extra materials. The drywall from China emits dangerous levels of chemicals that are making people sick as well as corroding metals such as copper wiring and air conditioning coils. Homes with this Chinese drywall emit strong sulfur odors. Recently Hud and the Dept. of Consumer affairs has instructed homeowners to gut the houses if it was built with drywall. Senator Nelson from Florida (a state with a large construction boom in the early part of the decade and hence many unhappy homeowners) is calling for the Chinese government to step in and pay for the damages. It will be interesting to see how this plays out with the economics of rebuilding thousands of homes. Here is a good article on the drywall and the recent developments.