The Bradenton (FL) Times reported, "US Rep. Vern
Buchanan, (R-FL), co-sponsored legislation that passed the US House, which
would ban the sale of toxic Chinese drywall and offer relief to thousands of
Florida homeowners who've been victims of its use." The Times noted that
"the Contaminated Drywall Safety Act makes Chinese-manufactured drywall a banned
hazardous material under the Consumer Product Safety Act, meaning it cannot be
imported into the US, and requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to
issue guidelines to ensure that existing drywall is properly disposed of."
Also, the bill "calls on the Secretary of State to demand that Chinese
manufacturers comply with any legal decisions and remedies for affected
American homeowners." The legislation has passed the House and now moves
to the Senate for consideration.
The
Daily Press (VA) reported, "The toxic drywall has affected thousands
across the United States, including hundreds in Hampton Roads, such as the
Hollymeade neighborhood in Newport News. The defective drywall was used during
the mid-2000s building boom when there was a shortage of American-made
drywall." The story added that "many homeowners have complained of
health problems resulting from a strong 'rotten eggs' smell, including
headaches and respiratory problems."
I am
not sure what this legislation will accomplish. The information that is out
there shows toxic drywall was imported into our country between 2005 and 2008.
I have seen no information indicating that toxic Chinese drywall is still being
imported for use in the U.S. This legislation appears to be more of a way for
politicians to say they are doing something in an election year, when the
problem is already out of the bag. I do think that the part of the bill calling
for the Chinese manufacturers to comply with any verdicts against them is
interesting, but do not see how it could be enforceable.
