CDC Finds No Evidence Imported Drywall Caused Homeowner Deaths

Killer drywall? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says no. The CDC investigated 11 deaths of people who had lived in or visited homes that contained Chinese drywall that caused unpleasant odors, corroded metals and made homes uninhabitable.

The CDC reviewed each of the deaths, which occurred in Louisiana, Virginia and Florida but said it found no evidence that the drywall was a contributing factor in any of the deaths.

However, the CDC said government agencies should continue monitoring health reports involving exposure to imported drywall.

The problem was originally blamed on a shortage of American-manufactured drywall, ostensibly due to the housing boom and extensive construction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Recently, however, suspicions have arisen that the problem dates back further. Some Florida experts have suggested that the defective drywall was installed as early as 2004.

Many homeowners complained of headaches, dry eyes, and bloody noses, among other allergy-like symptoms, but the most serious documented damage was to wiring and appliances that were damaged by sulfuric gases emitted by the Chinese drywall.

In Louisiana, the CDC team reviewed five deaths involving persons aged 59-78. All five had multiple long-term, severe, preexisting chronic health conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and lupus.

In Virginia, an 82-year-old person who suffered from chronic heart disease died of pneumonia. The medical examiner found no clinical evidence that exposure to sulfur gases played any role in the death.

In Florida, five deaths involved individuals aged 60-86. All had severe preexisting health conditions. Four had cancer, two had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and another was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

"Based on the review of the records and available information by the state public health authorities exposure to imported drywall was not believe to be a contributing factor in these deaths," the CDC's report said.

The CDC study was requested by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which has been leading the federal government's response to the problem. CPSC said it is "in the final stages of competing its scientific investigation" into the problem drywall.