Panel does not link Chinese drywall to health problems

TAMPA - Just like homeowners, federal scientists are having a difficult time figuring out what, if anything, is wrong with Chinese drywall, and why some say it has rendered their homes inhabitable.

In releasing the results of a federal investigation Thursday, officials said they have been unable to scientifically link Chinese drywall to reports of health problems and corrosion in 30 states. The government panel called the situation a "perplexing problem."

Nationwide, thousands of homeowners have complained that the imported drywall is toxic, makes them ill, and corrodes the pipes in their homes. Some say that sulfur fumes have driven them from their homes.

"The study found that sulfur gases were either not present or were present in only limited or occasional concentrations inside the homes," the report said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Environmental Protection Agency, The Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Centers of Disease Control participated in the research, which included chemical analysis and the study of the air in 10 homes.

Read the drywall study statement

Dr. David Krause, a Toxicologist with the Florida Department of Health who also took part in the conference, said the results do not indicate "an imminent health hazard."

"A broader range of affected homes must be tested," Krause said.

Officials said they are continuing to look for the cause of the health problems and corrosion. An analysis of 50 additional homes is underway and results are expected within weeks.

Federal officials said a drywall recall is also possible, but did not indicate whether it is imminent. "We have every option on the table," they said.

On Thursday Congressman Vern Buchanan suggested offering Small Business Administration loans to homeowners who can no longer live in their homes due to Chinese Drywall.

The impact of Chinese drywall is no different than a hurricane or any other natural disaster, Buchanan said in a statement. These people can't wait indefinitely to clean up their homes.

A Housing and Urban Development representative said people who have government-backed mortgages on uninhabitable homes that are affected should contact their lender for assistance.

A Chinese drywall symposium hosted by the University of Florida College of Engineering will be held in Tampa next week.