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Dangerous Chinese Drywall Shows Up In Mississippi

Likely used during Katrina repairs

July 16, 2009

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A large shipment of that dangerous drywall from China apparently ended up in Mississippi. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says his office has received multiple complaints and said he wants to alert more residents of his state to the problem.

"Our office has received several complaints on Chinese drywall," said Hood. "We are investigating these complaints, and encourage other consumers who may be victims to call us. We have been working with the federal government, other states, and other Mississippi agencies to collect more information on this issue."

In recent months, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has received numerous reports from people in 19 states and the District of Columbia involving problems they blame on imported drywall.

"Most drywall used by American homebuilders is made in the United States, but shortages in recent years spurred imports from China," said Hood. "Hurricane Katrina may have lead some homebuilders to used the imported drywall. Some signs of such drywall may include a rotten egg smell, or constant electrical problems."

The problem with the imported drywall first surfaced in Florida, another state hard hit by hurricanes in recent years, requiring extensive rebuilding. An investigation showed the drywall may be emitting sulfuric odors, potentially exposing homeowners to respiratory health problems. The emissions can also corrode air conditioning coils and wiring, posing a potential risk of electrical fire.

Although a number of drywall manufacturers may be implicated, the most commonly-cited is Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co., Ltd. (KPT), a China-based producer. The company regularly prints its name on the back of its drywall, making it the most easily identifiable potential culprit.

"Anyone who believes they have imported drywall in their home should notify both the Mississippi Department of Health and our office," Hood said.

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