HYPOTHESIS Chinese Drywall material used in the construction of homes during the years of 2003-2008 presented many health related and costly issues for Americans in the identification of and remediation of the problems for their homes. ABSTRACT During the peak of the home construction business of many homes in the southern part of the United States and various other regions in our country, supplies became limited and building contractors began looking at alternative suppliers. When this happened, Chinese Drywall products became available at very reasonable rates and in quantities that helped the current housing construction market. These drywall materials could be imported very cheaply and were an answer to the immediate need. Much to …show more content…
In addition, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Trade Commission became involved in the investigation. (Williams, Bob) The Federal Trade Commission alerted homeowners about anyone trying to sell kits, inspections, or quick fixes to their drywall problems. Remediation efforts to correct this problem were varied and brought on even more controversy. The Federal agencies called for “general replacement” of drywall in the affected homes. The homebuilders called cleaning “critical” and recommended airing out the houses for at least two weeks. This was another cost to the homeowners as they then needed an alternate place to live while repairs were being made. Even the IRS developed a plan for allowing these homeowners special deductions on their tax returns so as to recuperate some of the loss they had incurred. Still, with the major problem being the drywall replacement, most homeowners didn’t have the money to repair the homes, so the builders had to incur some of the cost. Homeowners insurance didn’t cover the cost for the repairs as well. The federal guidelines for repair