Chinese Drywall Problems and Abatement

Defective Chinese drywall in South Florida should be considered an emergency condition deserving federal help and funding.

Broward County Commission called for Gov. Charlie Crist to use his emergency powers to request FEMA funding and even federal economic stimulus dollars to pay for replacing defective drywall in homes and building effected.


Chinese drywall was used when domestic supplies ran short during South Florida's building boom. The defective drywall has been blamed for giving off a sulfurous smell, tarnishing metals and corroding pipes, wiring and causing damage to air conditioners and appliances.

Some homeowners contend the drywall also led to health problems such as nosebleeds, sore throats and headaches.

More than 500 Palm Beach County homeowners with properties damaged by Chinese drywall have filed petitions with the county Value Adjustment Board to try to have their property tax bills lowered.

Federal housing officials recently approved the use of Community Development Block Grants to help pay for Chinese drywall replacements, but the county contends that income limitations on those federal funds means most local residents won't qualify.