Is My Drywall Chinese? - HB Litigation Conferences

The Consumer Product Safety Commission hopes to have more answers in the coming months. They
continue to test the Chinese drywall, including controlled tests in chambers and real-world air sampling tests
in homes, to determine how the drywall interacts with other elements in an average house.
"We don't deny there's a problem," spokesman Joe Martyak said. But there has been no positive link to
adverse health effects.
"We don't know what it is that's causing the sore throats or bleeding noses. We have to find out what's
causing the problem," he said.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are doing studies
on the health effects, but those examinations are some time away from completion.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is having ongoing conversations with Chinese officials, who will
be sending a representative to the United States to study the problem.
"They appreciate the seriousness of the issue here and trying to be cooperative," Martyak said.
A handful of Chinese companies have been sued by homeowners and home builders.
In the meantime, homeowners like Massachi face financial hardship.
"Now, because they have to move out for health reasons, they're taking on a whole second (rent) payment,"
said Massachi's attorney, Michael Ryan.
Ryan said he's had no luck trying to convince Massachi's home lenders to suspend mortgage payments until
the house can be made livable again.
He told CNN his clients are "having to make choices about their credit, and whether they are going to lose
their home. But they're always going to pick their health first."
Massachi agrees. A good look at her blackened air conditioning coil was all she needed. She's looking to
rent a new place.
"That's what I'm breathing in....I'm a little freaked out now, honestly," she said, her raspy voice cracking with
tears.
"It can't be good, if that's what that looks like and it's pumping throughout my entire house," she said.
Eighteen months ago, Massachi says, she moved into her dream house, surrounded by family and friends.
Now the dream is a nightmare.
"It's worth nothing," she said of the home. "It's exclusive. It's pricey, and now it's worth nothing."