A forum held in Ft. Meyers to discuss Florida’s Chinese drywall problem apparently raised more questions than it answered. According to News-Press.com, the lead toxicologist from the Florida Health Department told attendees that more investigation is needed before it can be determined if fumes emitted from the Chinese drywall pose a health issue.

As we’ve been reporting for the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In many cases, residents have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, released its own air tests of the drywall earlier this month. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide – were being emitted from the drywall. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself. Lennar admitted that the gases the tests found could be responsible for the corrosion problems in many of the homes.

Last week, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said it had begun an investigation of the Chinese drywall. The probe will focus on whether the sulfur-based gases emitted from the drywall are corroding household wiring and posing a potential safety hazard.

Since last month, the Florida Health Department has been investigating drywall complaints from Florida homeowners. Most of the homes were built after 2004, but one home that is the subject of complaints was built in 2001, News-Press said.

According to News-Press, lead toxicologist David Kraus told about 200 people at last night’s meeting that the department has received about 100 such complaints. A dozen homes investigated so far have several things in common, Kraus said. The commonalities include corrosion of copper wires and metals, such as brass fittings; corrosion of air conditioning coils leading to Freon leaks; and exposure of residents in the home to corrosive gases, News-Press said.

But it isn’t known if exposure to those gases poses a health threat to residents. According to News-Press, Kraus said that the data the Health Department has collected so far has not “raised alarms”. But as we’ve reported previously, some people living in homes with defective Chinese drywall have complained of sore throats, respiratory problems and other ailments. At last night’s meeting, Krauss said initial testing of the houses should be done in about two weeks, and the results available in about 75 days.

A Florida state lawmaker – who also happens to be the president of a building company that has acknowledged finding defective Chinese drywall in some of its homes – has proposed a new law that some fear could make it more difficult for homeowners to sue over construction defects. According to a report on News-Press.com, Rep. Gary Aubuchon says his proposed law would only clarify existing standards, and was not introduced in reaction to the drywall problems Aubuchon Homes and other Florida builders have experienced.

Among other things, Aubuchon’s proposed law revises requirements for giving a builder notice and opportunity to repair certain defect. It also authorizes parties to agree to mediation.

As we’ve been reporting for the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In many cases, residents have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

As we reported yesterday, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has begun an investigation of the Chinese drywall. The investigation will focus on whether the sulfur-based gases emitted from the drywall are corroding household wiring and posing a potential safety hazard.

The defective drywall has shown up in at least 15 Florida counties. Aubuchon Homes has acknowledged that the tainted drywall was found in a “handful” of its homes. According to New-Press.com, the company has moved one Ft. Myers family from their residence so defective drywall could be removed and replaced. As we reported yesterday, Florida Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp has reported drywall problems in his Aubuchon-built home. Kottkamp has said he will sue the builder if an agreement cannot be reached with Aubuchon’s insurance company to fix the problem.

In an interview with News-Press, Aubuchon insisted the defective drywall was not a consideration in his decision to introduce his construction bill. Rather the proposal was meant to address ambiguities in the Florida Construction Defect Statute of 2003. That aim of that law was to encourage builders and homeowners to work to resolve construction defects before a lawsuit could be filed. Aubuchon told News-Press that the Florida Bar Association began working on revisions to the law in 2007.

Federal regulators are investigating complaints about defective Chinese drywall that have been coming from homeowners in Florida. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CSPC) decision to investigate the Chinese drywall problems comes just as similar complaints are popping up in other states.

As we’ve been reporting, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In many cases, residents have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

According to a report on BradentonHerald.com earlier this week, the Florida Health Department has so far received 90 complaints regarding defective Chinese drywall. The complaints come from 15 counties. New reports have also indicated that problems with Chinese drywall might extend beyond Florida. The head of one consumer advocacy group told BradentonHerald.com that it has received drywall complaints from homeowners in Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, North and South Carolina, New York and New Jersey. Given the amount of Chinese drywall that has been imported to the U.S. since 2004, the group estimates that the problem could affect as many as 10,000 Florida homes, and thousands more nationwide, BradentonHerald.com said.

As we reported last week, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL, had asked both the CPSC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the drywall reports. Now, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the CPSC will begin such a probe. The investigation will focus on whether the sulfur-based gases emitted from the drywall are corroding household wiring and posing a potential safety hazard, the Journal said.

Meanwhile, another Florida builder – Taylor Morrison – has acknowledged that homes it built are at the center of some Florida drywall complaints. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company said it has identified the material in eight homes, and is working to relocate residents while the drywall is replaced.

As we have reported earlier, Lennar Homes had earlier acknowledged drywall problems in dozens of its homes. Like Taylor Morrison, the company is relocating homeowners and replacing drywall. WCI Construction, a Florida builder that is currently in bankruptcy, also admitted using the drywall – three days after the legal deadline had passed for anyone to file claims against it.

Meanwhile, Florida’s Lt. Governor is threatening to sue his builder, Aubuchon Homes, after defective Chinese drywall caused problems in his Ft. Meyers home. According to a report on News-Press.com, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp said his lawyers are working with Aubuchon to resolve his issues, and a lawsuit won’t happen if Aubuchon’s insurance company agrees “to make the lieutenant governor’s home whole.”

Other homeowners in Florida have already filed suit against the manufacturers and suppliers of the defective Chinese drywall. One class action complaint filed by the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP charges that the makers and distributors of the drywall negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

A U.S. Senator has asked federal regulators to take a look at Florida’s problems with defective Chinese drywall. According to the Palm Beach Post, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, wants both the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether drywall imported from China is toxic.

As we’ve been reporting, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In many cases, residents have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

According to a report on BradentonHerald.com earlier this week, the Florida Health Department has so far received 86 complaints regarding defective Chinese drywall. The complaints come from 14 counties, including Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, St. Lucie, Pinellas, Collier, Dade, Citrus, Lake, Hillsborough, Highlands, Palm Beach and Broward, the Web site said.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

Last month, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall in Florida, said air quality tests it commissioned found that the material was emitting three sulfide gases that were likely causing the smell and corrosion problems – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Lennar’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

The Florida Health Department is conducting its own tests, and results from those should be available next month.

Now, some are indicating that problems with Chinese drywall might extend beyond Florida. The head of one consumer advocacy group told BradentonHerald.com that it has received drywall complaints from homeowners in Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, North and South Carolina, New York and New Jersey. Given the amount of Chinese drywall that has been imported to the U.S. since 2004, the group estimates that the problem could affect as many as 10,000 Florida homes, and thousands more nationwide, BradentonHerald.com said.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Sen. Nelson wants the CPSC and EPA to look into the drywall problems to get “a clear picture of everyone who might be affected.” Nelson also wants the CPSC to develop drywall standards so that problems like those reported can be avoided in the future, the Post said.

The drywall problems have sparked a number of lawsuits, including a class action complaint filed by, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP. The lawsuit, which was filed late last month in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that Knauf and other defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Scores of Florida homeowners plagued by defective Chinese drywall are signing on to class action lawsuits in an attempt to be made whole. One Bonita Springs firm, Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, has been contacted by more than 100 homeowners interested in joining its class action lawsuit.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

Last month, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, said air quality tests it commissioned found that the material was emitting three sulfide gases that were likely causing the smell and corrosion problems – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Lennar’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

The drywall problems have prompted many homeowners in the state to join class action lawsuits, such as the one filed by Parker Waichman Alonso last month. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, charges that Knauf Plasterboard and other defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Jordan Chaikin, an attorney with Parker Waichman, told BradentonHerald.com that the firm has received more information on the drywall problems, and will likely be amending its complaint to include other defendants. So far, builders known to have used the drywall include Lennar, Taylor Morrison, WCI, Meritage Homes, Ryland Homes, Transeastern and Standard Pacific, Chaikin said.

In addition to the class action lawsuit, Chaikin told BradentonHerald.com that Parker Waichman is also handling homeowners’ cases regarding homebuilders on an individual basis for breach of contract and negligence.

The true extent of South Florida’s Chinese drywall problem is not entirely known. According to a report on BrandentonHerald.com, 313 million pounds of Chinese drywall entered Florida in 2006. How much of that may have been defective is anybody’s guess. The number of complaints filed by Florida homeowners continues to grow, and at least one consumer advocacy group has now reported complaints about defective Chinese drywall in several other states.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

Last month, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, said air quality tests it commissioned found that the material was emitting three sulfide gases that were likely causing the smell and corrosion problems – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Lennar’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

The Florida Health Department is conducting its own tests, and results from those should be available next month.

According to BradentonHerald.com, the Florida Health Department has so far received 86 complaints regarding defective Chinese drywall. The complaints come from 14 counties, including Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, St. Lucie, Pinellas, Collier, Dade, Citrus, Lake, Hillsborough, Highlands, Palm Beach and Broward, the Web site said.

But Florida might not be the only state affected. The head of one consumer advocacy group told BradentonHerald.com that it has received drywall complaints from homeowners in Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, North and South Carolina, New York and New Jersey. Given the amount of Chinese drywall that has been imported to the U.S. since 2004, the group estimates that the problem could affect as many as 10,000 Florida homes, and thousands more nationwide, BradentonHerald.com said.

The drywall problems have sparked a number of lawsuits, including a class action complaint filed by, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP. The lawsuit, which was filed late last month in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that Knauf and other defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Lennar Homes has also sued Knauf over the drywall issue. The Lennar lawsuit also charges 12 installers with breach of contract and breach of express and implied warranty. Lennar claimed that independent subcontractors installed the defective Chinese drywall in some homes, and it was unaware it was being used.

Problems with Chinese drywall have prompted some Florida realtors to change the way they do business. According to a report on naplesnews.com, some Florida real estate agents are adding clauses about Chinese drywall to the disclosure forms buyers and sellers must sign before a home changes hands.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

The drywall problems have already sparked several lawsuits, including a class action complaint filed by, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP. The lawsuit, which was filed late last month in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that Knauf and other defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

In an effort to head off future legal troubles, some Florida realtors have taken to adding drywall disclosures to home sale documents. According to naplesnews.com, Coldwell Banker now requires buyers and sellers to sign a form that includes the phrase “seller represents that seller has no knowledge of the presence of Chinese drywall at the property.” The form also states that Coldwell Banker isn’t responsible for determining whether a home has been built with defective Chinese drywall.

Unfortunately, determining whether a house is built with Chinese drywall is no easy task, naplesnews.com said. It cannot be done on a visual inspection, and air quality testing and other measures can cost thousands of dollars. One home inspectors told naplesnews.com that even the tell-tale sulfur smell – or lack of it – is not a guarantee that Chinese drywall is or is not present in a home.

But despite these complications, Chinese drywall disclosures could soon become the norm in South Florida. One member of the Naples Area Board of Realtors told naplesnews.com that she would be requesting that the board develop a uniform Chinese drywall disclosure statement that could be used by any realty company in the area.

Removal efforts are underway in a Florida neighborhood hard hit by problems with defective Chinese drywall. According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune, builder Lennar Homes has work crews gutting about a half dozen homes in the Montauk Point Crossing area of its Heritage Harbour development in Manatee County. Lennar had previously acknowledged that around 23 homes in that area may have been built with defective Chinese drywall.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems. Another Chinese drywall maker, Taishan Gypsum, has also been implicated.

Lennar recently released its own test results of the Chinese drywall. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself. The Florida Health Department is also conducting tests, and results are expected next month.

According to the Herald Tribune, Lennar’s not saying much about the gutting operations in Montauk Point Crossing. But the report said that county government records show six permits for drywall removal and repairs were filed by Lennar on Jan. 30. One house being worked on had ripped-out drywall and insulation piled up in the garage, the Herald Tribune said.

Last month, Lennar issued a statement saying it had identified 80 of its homes in Southwest Florida that appear to contain the suspect drywall and was investigating 40 more. The company promised to absorb all costs related to the drywall replacement, including relocation expenses for people living in the houses.

The drywall problems have also sparked several lawsuits. Late last month, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Knauf Plasterboard, Taishan and others. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that the defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Lennar Homes has also sued Knauf and Taishan because of the drywall issue. The Lennar lawsuit also charges 12 installers with breach of contract and breach of express and implied warranty. Lennar claimed that independent subcontractors installed the defective Chinese drywall in some homes, and it was unaware it was being used.

Problems with defective Chinese drywall may have been plaguing Florida homeowners longer than first thought. According to a report in the South Florida Business Journal, some builders in Florida have been quietly settling complaints over defective Chinese drywall for the past three years.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems. Another Chinese drywall maker, Taishan Gypsum, has also been implicated.

The drywall problems have sparked several lawsuits. Late last month, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Knauf Plasterboard, Taishan and others. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that the defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Lennar Homes, one of the biggest builders in Florida, has also sued Knauf and Taishan because of the drywall issue. The Lennar lawsuit also charges 12 installers with breach of contract and breach of express and implied warranty. Lennar claimed that independent subcontractors installed the defective Chinese drywall in some homes, and it was unaware it was being used.

Lennar recently released its own test results of the Chinese drywall. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself. The Florida Health Department is also conducting tests, and results are expected next month.

According to an attorney interviewed by the South Florida Business Times, “a number of developers throughout South Florida have experienced problems over the last couple years.” The lawyer told the Business Times that builders probably weren’t required to notify all their customers of the potential problem.

According to the report, only Lennar has provided details about its handling of drywall complaints. The company told the Business Times that it dealt with problems as homeowners brought them to its attention. However, Lennar is not saying how other homeowners were notified of the problem.

As we reported last month, Lennar had issued a statement that said it intends to replace damaged fixtures in the homes, which could include plumbing, electrical wiring and air conditioning systems. At the time, the builder said it had 80 of its homes in Southwest Florida that appear to contain the suspect drywall and is investigating 40 more, news-press.com said. About 30 of the 80 Lennar homes confirmed to have the drywall are in Lennar’s Heritage Harbor development in east Manatee County.

According to the Business Times another builder, WCI Communities, has also acknowledge the drywall problem. The company, which is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, said in a January 28 filing that it believes “drywall manufactured in China may have been installed in certain portions of some homes that were built and sold prior to the Chapter 11 filing.” WCI has not revealed which of its developments are affected and whether homeowners in those communities were notified, the Business Times said.

Only one other builder, South Kendall Construction, has reported drywall problems, according to the Business Times. Most of those complaints center on its Keys Gate community in Homestead.

As we reported last week, Florida’s Lieutenant Governor has also said his Fort Meyers home, built by Aubuchon Homes, was built with defective Chinese drywall.

Florida builder South Kendall Construction has been named in a class action lawsuit over defective Chinese drywall. The lawsuit was filed by a Homestead couple who claim the drywall has made their home in South Kendall’s Keys Gate development uninhabitable.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

The plaintiffs involved in the latest drywall lawsuit purchased a $360,000 home in the Pine Isles portion of Keys Gate in January 2008, and moved in with their two children. They claim that drywall installed in their new home, and those of their neighbors, emits destructive and harmful toxins and renders the homes “essentially uninhabitable.”

On Thursday, the Florida Health Department said it has received 75 complaints of drywall problems, 8 in Miami-Dade County where Homestead is located. According to a report in the South Florida Business Journal last month, many of the Miami-Dade drywall complaints came from Homestead’s Keys Gate development. South Kendall has acknowledged that it did buy drywall from Knauf that was used in the development.

The Homestead lawsuit names both Knauf and South Kendall as defendants. Other defendants include Banner Supply Co. of Miami, exporter Rothchilt International, Keys Gate Realty and 10 other unnamed companies.

As we reported earlier, the Florida Health Department is currently conducting tests on some homes with the drywall. Those results could be ready next month. Last week, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, released its own test results. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

The Homestead lawsuit is just one of several filed because of the drywall. Late last week, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Knauf Plasterboard and others. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that the defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Lennar Homes has also sued Knauf and others over its drywall problems.

Florida’s Lieutenant Governor is just one of many homeowners in the state dealing with defective Chinese drywall. According to a report on NBC2News.com, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp is warning others who suspect they have a drywall problem to have the air in their homes tested.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

According to NBC2News.com, Kottkamp’s home in Fort Meyers was built with the defective Chinese drywall. The home was built by Aubuchon Homes, which incidentally, is owned by Gary Aubuchon. Aubuchon was appointed to Kottkamps’s seat in the Florida state house when he became Lieutenant Governor, NBC2News.com said.

Kottkamp told NBC2News.com that an investigation is needed to determine how suppliers ended up with the drywall. He also said the drywall problems show a need for tougher standards on either the federal or state level. Finally, he urged other Florida homeowners experiencing smells or other problems in their homes to have them tested.

“You should have your home tested. Have the air tested, have the drywall tested to see if there is any health risk at all. God willing, there isn’t,” Kottkamp told NBC2News.com.

As we reported earlier, the Florida Health Department is currently conducting tests on some homes with the drywall. Those results could be ready next month. Last week, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, released its own test results. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

Lennar admitted that the gases the test found could be responsible for the corrosion problems in many of the homes. But the company has maintained that the tests showed the levels of fumes were below what would be considered a health hazard. However, many people have voiced doubts over that claim.

At least on class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Florida homeowners whose homes have been ruined by defective Chinese drywall. Late last week, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Knauf Plasterboard and others. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that the defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

Lennar Homes has also sued Knauf and others over its drywall problems.

Problems with defective Chinese drywall in Florida have led to two separate lawsuits. Late last week, the Bonita Springs law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Florida consumers whose homes were ruined by the defective Chinese drywall. Meanwhile, Miami-based Lennar Homes, the builder at the center of many drywall complaints, has sued the manufacturer of the material, as well as the supplier and contractors who installed it.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

The Parker Waichman Alonso class action lawsuit names Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co., Ltd., and Knauf Group as defendants. The trading company that imported the drywall, Rothchilt International Limited, is also named in the suit, as was Florida-based Banner Supply.

The class action lawsuit alleges 10 million square feet – about 200,000 sheets – of the drywall was used in Florida homes. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District court in Fort Myers, charges that the defendants negligently manufactured and sold the defective drywall, which was “unreasonably dangerous” in normal use because it caused corrosion to air-conditioning and electrical components, and caused coughing and irritation of sinuses, eyes and throats. It goes on to state that, “when combined with moisture in the air, these sulfur compounds create sulfuric acid.”

“Defendants’ drywall was made with waste material from scrubbers on coal-fired power plants, also called ‘fly ash.’ These materials can leak in the air and emit one of several sulfur compounds including sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide,” the complaint said.

Lennar Homes, one of the builders hardest hit by the Chinese drywall debacle, has also filed suit against Knauf Plasterboard and Banner, as well as another company, Taishan Gypsum. Lennar’s lawsuit claims the defendants sold “defective gypsum” drywall that was installed in homes built by Lennar, which “caused substantial damage” to the company. The Lennar lawsuit also charges 12 installers with breach of contract and breach of express and implied warranty. Lennar claimed that independent subcontractors installed the defective Chinese drywall in some homes, and it was unaware it was being used.

The Florida Health Department has begun running tests on the defective Chinese drywall that has ruined many new homes in the state. According to a report on News-Press.com, results from the Florida Health Department drywall tests could be available sometime next month.

Over the past several months, owners of newer homes in South Florida have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many South Florida homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. Some spent hundreds – even thousands of dollars – to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired.

Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004-2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.

According to the News-Press.com report, the Florida Health Department’s toxicologist is on the road visiting homes that have been the focus of drywall complaints. The test are aimed at determining whether the drywall poses a health risk. The tests will also try to determine if the drywall is emitting sulfur-based gases leading to corrosion on copper coils and wiring.

Last week, Lennar Homes, one of the builders who has acknowledged using the Chinese drywall, released its own test results just last week. Those tests, conducted last year by Environ International, found three sulfide gases – carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, a particularly dangerous compound with a characteristic rotten-eggs smell, was not found in Environ’s air tests, but it was found in previous testing that the company conducted on the Chinese drywall itself.

Lennar admitted that the gases the test found could be responsible for the corrosion problems in many of the homes. But the company has maintained that the tests showed the levels of fumes were below what would be considered a health hazard. However, many people have voiced doubts over that claim.

Last week, Michael Foreman, head of Sarasota construction consulting firm Foreman & Associates, told HeraldTribune.com that he is disturbed by reports that residents in homes built with the defective drywall are experiencing respiratory discomfort and other problems.

“If that’s the case, then why is everybody getting sick?” Foreman said. “Why do they all have the same problems? If it’s caustic enough to eat up the components in the house, then I can only imagine it must have some effect on your body.”

According to News-Press, results of the Florida Health Department test may be available during an informational forum planned for next month to determine whether the drywall is a public health risk.