DEFECTIVE CHINESE DRYWALL
The Herald-Tribune began investigating tainted Chinese drywall in November 2008, when several homeowners in the Sarasota-Bradenton area suspected that a strange corrosion in their homes was tied to the drywall -- also known as wallboard or gypsum board -- used to construct interior walls.
Since then, thousands of homeowners across Florida and the nation have blamed the drywall for respiratory problems, nosebleeds, headaches and other health effects. State and federal health authorities are investigating the claims, and already have tied the drywall to the corrosion woes.
A Herald-Tribune analysis in February 2009 first showed that at least 550 million pounds of Chinese drywall entered the U.S. since 2006, enough to construct at least 60,000 average-size homes. Nearly 60 percent of the drywall came through Florida.
Federal lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, have introduced legislation aimed at recalling the defective drywall and pushing federal agencies to more quickly determine possible health risks. In November, the issue of contaminated drywall was on the agenda during President Barack Obama's first state visit to China.
Hundreds of federal and state lawsuits have been filed against the affected builders, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors. The litigation has since been combined into a massive multi-district case in New Orleans. The federal judge in the case plans to hold the first set of trials on the issue in early 2010.
Drywall shipments from China to the United States
Five factory sources of Chinese drywall
Cluster of homes built using Chinese drywall
Tainted drywall found in Punta Gorda apartments
