Toxic Drywall

It’s been quite a while since I had any significant contractors’ liability or construction defect – exposed business in my portfolio of responsibilities.  So, perhaps I’m either out of the loop or just happily oblivious….but “toxic drywall” is a new risk to me.

Via Treehugger I came across this article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:

The residents, many with small children, are experiencing an outbreak of the same chronic symptoms — respiratory problems, painful sore throats, headaches and nosebleeds — which they attribute directly to the drywall chemicals filling their homes.

Lennar, a Miami-based company that is this region’s largest builder, would not discuss any pending repairs, residents’ health problems, or any other aspect of this story. Company officials said they stand by an earlier statement that the drywall is not a health risk and that Lennar is responding promptly to owners.

Residents of Montauk Point have seen their air-conditioners fail on a regular basis — so often that the presence of a white HVAC repair truck became a running joke in the neighborhood. Metal within their homes corroded and turned black: piping, electrical wiring, even silver jewelry.

Electronics also began to fail and short-circuit. Residents say they have gone through multiple televisions, computers and cable boxes. Light switches stopped working altogether, or only intermittently.