Senators Warner, Webb Highlight CPSC's Preliminary Finding on Contaminated Drywall

“Strong association” prompts CPSC to begin work on screening, remediation protocols

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today released additional results of studies of homes impacted by contaminated drywall, including eight homes in Virginia, showing a “strong association” between hydrogen sulfide levels and corrosion of metals in those homes. To date, CPSC has received more than 2,100 complaints from 32 states from homeowners reporting a variety of similar health and safety issues believed linked to the contaminated drywall, including more than 80 Virginia households, primarily in the southeastern region of the Commonwealth.

This summer, Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb contacted the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Treasury to gauge what kinds of mortgage assistance might be available to homeowners impacted by contaminated drywall.  They teamed together, along with Senators Bill Nelson (FL) and Mary Landrieu (LA), to seek similar guidance from the IRS, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Administration.  This group, along with Senators Vitter (LA) and LeMieux (FL), also won unanimous consent from the U.S. Senate earlier this month on a Resolution calling on U.S. banks and mortgage lenders to work cooperatively with these homeowners, many of whom have been forced to pay for alternative housing because their drywall-contaminated homes are no longer inhabitable.

“This announcement allows the federal government to get to work fixing the problem by developing an approved process for identifying, screening and then remediating the homes impacted by this contaminated drywall,” Senator Warner said. “Our efforts will remain focused on helping the families whose lives have been disrupted by these health and safety concerns, and I am pleased that CPSC officials have said this second round of test results is sufficient to begin work with the IRS on determining how some homeowners may qualify for the casualty loss income tax deduction.”

“Today’s report confirms what more than 80 Virginia families already know: that contaminated drywall has jeopardized their health and the safety of their homes,” said Senator Webb. “I will continue working to ensure that the federal government acts swiftly and that those affected receive necessary attention.”

The CPSC is leading a group including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and several state departments of health on this issue. Today’s CPSC statement can be found here.

Homeowners who believe they may have problem drywall should immediately report to CPSC by calling 800-638-2772. Hearing- or speech challenged individuals may access the phone number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.