Is My Drywall Chinese? - HB Litigation Conferences

Chinese drywall spins off 'silent hurricane'
effects
By Michael Udine and Michael J. Ryan
May 3, 2009
The city of Parkland, like many other communities, has been hit by a "silent hurricane." We had
no warning and never saw it coming. We had no time to move our families or protect our property.
Now, homes must be entirely gutted to the concrete block.
The "silent hurricane" was caused by toxic, defective drywall manufactured by Chinese
companies and imported through a German company. It has been estimated that between 60,000
and 100,000 homes across the United States are impacted by the toxic and corrosive gases
coming off the drywall.
In a way, this is worse than a hurricane. Homeowners' insurance is refusing to cover the damage.
Bankrupt builders and foreign companies are refusing to accept responsibility. In the meantime,
the gases are corrosive to metals, causing air conditioning failures, corrosion to ground wires,
plumbing and circuitry in home appliances, and a noxious smell that acutely and chronically
affects the nose, throat and eyes.
While the science community debates the long-term health effects of the noxious gases from the
"silent hurricane," homeowners cannot afford to pay mortgages on a destroyed home and yet
relocate. The homes cannot be sold. Foreclosures may begin and banks will own truly "toxic
assets." The blight of abandonment threatens communities.
Our communities need a comprehensive plan to save those hit by this "silent hurricane" now.
First, the government must provide assistance where builders and others are refusing to accept
responsibility. These homeowners did nothing wrong and are not asking for a bailout. They are
crying for a life raft.
Second, we need to immediately bring together all industries and those affected so we can devise
a consensus protocol for rebuilding.
Third, we need to make sure rebuilding does not cause more problems. Health risks to
construction workers, disposal and handling of toxic drywall and appropriate certifications
afterward are all issues.
Already, we are seeing mortgage companies beginning to abate mortgages for those who must
move out during the crisis. We see neighbors offering available rooms to those who have
nowhere else to turn. We see subdivisions organizing themselves to call upon government for
help. We see the heartwarming spirit of community after a disaster.
This does give some homeowners hope. It is not the life raft they deserve, but hopefully, they can
tread water until help arrives.
Michael Udine is the mayor of Parkland, and Michael J. Ryan is a Fort Lauderdale trial
attorney.