http://sunkitedu.com/insurance/homeowner-insurance-drywall-damage-ruling/

A Florida panel of judges has ruled that a couple’s damage from infected Chinese drywall is covered by their homeowner insurance policy.

Investigations show that Toxic Chinese Drywall is a wide-scale problem. The toxic drywall was imported between 2000 and 2007, but installation of these materials could have occurred after that time. Chinese drywall has been used throughout the states of California, Florida, Georgia, the Gulf States region, the Northeast, the Southwest, and many other areas of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of homes may be affected.

   Indications of the presence of Chinese drywall in a home include:

•  Sulfur odors, usually associated with a rotten egg smell

•  Metal in the home that is turning black or being pitted, with no other obvious cause, such as pipes, wiring, light fixtures, belt buckles, jewelry, mirrors, picture frames, etc.

   If a home was built or remodeled after 2000 and the above indicators are present, then there is likelihood Chinese drywall is in the home.

How does this happen?

Several independent laboratory studies have demonstrated that Chinese drywall has the potential to off-gas various fumes and vapors - at least some of which are sulfur-based. In the closed environment of many of today's homes, these gases accumulate and concentrate in the indoor atmosphere. When these fumes come in contact with moisture on sweating plumbing pipes or air conditioning coils, a sulfur compound is formed that includes sulfuric acid. This compound corrodes the coils, turning them black, and eventually causing damage. It also attacks the solder joints of copper plumbing, copper wiring, and other metal in the home. Many homes have had air conditioning systems repaired or replaced because of accumulated corrosive damage to those systems.

 In addition to the threat to property, the potential for harm to people and animals is a real concern. Homeowners have reported symptoms, such as nosebleeds, itchy eyes, and respiratory problems. Health concerns increase for those who may be particularly susceptible, such as the very young, the very old, those already ill, and persons using immunosuppressant drugs. If someone has health questions or problems related to Toxic Chinese Drywall, they should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and assistance.

Americas Watchdog is calling the imported toxic Chinese drywall issue, "the single worst environmental, and serious health disaster ever faced by US & Canadian homeowners. We are with you, and we will do our best to protect you, and to keep you informed about this disaster." For more information, homeowners who know, or suspect they have the imported Chinese drywall in their home, subdivision, condominium or town home, or members of local or national members of the news media, please call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466or contact them via their web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.Com

A homeowner should contact a qualified professional with indoor air quality or air testing credentials. Referral lists are available online at sites such as www.iaqa.org.  Certified professionals have the expertise and the equipment to collect and analyze samples to measure the presence and the concentration level of toxic compounds. Proper identification is a key factor to determine potential property damage and health concerns.

If you, or someone you know suspects that Toxic Chinese Drywall has been installed in their home, it is important to call a professional mitigation/restoration company such as PuroClean.
Our PuroClean professionals are certified and fully trained with the latest state of the science equipment to remove the drywall safely. We adhere to all safety requirements when working with contaminated materials. We ensure that there is no cross-contamination of these toxic materials or fumes inside of the structure, and that all removed materials and cleaning solutions are disposed of in the proper manner, as required by regulations.

 Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with Toxic Chinese Drywall, responding to water damage, fire/smoke damage, or mold damage - call your local PuroClean office 877-750-PURO (7876), the Paramedics of Property Damage™.