The Chinese Drywall problem that has been creating havoc for homeowners has a new victim, the FEMA trailers. Yes, those government supplied trailers that dot the Gulf Coast that hurricane survivors were given were made up of the corrosive and dangerous Chinese Drywall.
The snark in me would think that the United States government would have stepped up and bought United States made drywall for these trailers, but that would be naive to think. Instead they cut a corner and may have exposed the poor families who have lost their homes a new set of dangers.
Two major liability trials begin here today in Federal Court. The claims of toxic formaldehyde emissions from FEMA-supplied trailers for hurricane refugees, and hazardous emissions from Chinese-made drywall, are both the second in a series of “test” trials of multidistrict litigation, in which plaintiffs and defendants change but the complaints remain essentially the same – long-term health problems from hazardous chemicals, and property damage in the drywall complaints. Hundreds of thousands of such liability suits resulted from the chaotic rebuilding process after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Shoddy building materials are blamed for widespread illnesses caused by breathing the toxic fumes. In addition, the Chinese-made drywall has been blamed for corroding copper and other metal surfaces, causing problems with wiring and plumbing, and ruining household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. via Courthouse News Service
In a related situation, the Hillsborough County government is allowing residents to live in trailers on their properties if their homes are replacing the toxic Chinese drywall. They have even gone to the steps to apply for FEMA aid to help with the abatement.
The Hillsborough County Commission passed the resolution Wednesday, declaring a local state of emergency. By doing so, they grant homeowners the option of putting a trailer, RV or temporary living facility on their property while workers replace tainted drywall in homes.
The commission also passed a resolution Wednesday urging Gov.Charlie Crist to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s rejection of Florida’s request for help in assessing damage caused by corrosive, caustic drywall. via TBO
Do you think that FEMA will send down thousands of tainted trailers for the residents?
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