Watchout For Chinese Made Drywall-More Glories of Unfettered 'Free Trade'

[BillyBobUSA]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/18/chinese.drywall/index.html (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/18/chinese.drywall/index.html)


(CNN) -- Officials are looking into claims that Chinese-made drywall installed in some Florida homes is emitting smelly, corrosive gases and ruining household systems such as air conditioners, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

The Florida Health Department, which is investigating whether the drywall poses any health risks, said it has received more than 140 homeowner complaints. And class-action lawsuits allege defective drywall has caused problems in at least three states -- Florida, Louisiana and Alabama -- while some attorneys involved claim such drywall may have been used in tens of thousands of U.S. homes.
Homeowners' lawsuits contend the drywall has caused them to suffer health problems such as headaches and sore throats and face huge repair expenses.

The drywall is alleged to have high levels of sulfur and, according to homeowners' complaints, the sulfur-based gases smell of rotten eggs and corrode piping and wiring, causing electronics and appliances to fail.

"It's economically devastating, and it's emotionally devastating," said Florida attorney Ervin A. Gonzalez, who filed one of the lawsuits. It would cost a third of an affected home's value to fix the dwelling, Gonzalez said.

"The interior has to be gutted, the homeowners have to continue paying mortgages, and they have to pay for a [temporary] place to live," Gonzalez said.

The CPSC (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/U_S_Consumer_Product_Safety_Commission) has been investigating claims in Florida for more than a month, according to commission spokesman Joe Martyak. He would not confirm whether CPSC is checking other states or reveal how many cases it is probing.

The Florida (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Florida) complaints generally involve homes built or renovated in 2005 and 2006, when a building boom and post-hurricane reconstruction caused a U.S. drywall shortage that spurred builders to turn to imports, Martyak said.

The allegations come after a number of recent safety problems with other Chinese exports, ranging from toys to pet food.

Friends I know from the Far East say that China has always been known for cheap knock-offs with abysmal quality. They move here to the USA and are shocked to see so many things made in China.

Some of them think it proof that Americans are simply stupid.

I wish I could dispute the assertion, but things like this just keep coming up.

There is a limit to which cheaper no longer trumps better quality and these Chinese made products definately fall in that category, IMO.

Trouble is it is very difficult to avoid buying Chinese crap.

[rhet 2]

Thanks for the headsup.

Yeah, Chinese GARBAGE is hard to avoid, since Carter made China Super Commerce Giant of the universe and the Dems have destroyed American ability to compete with Garbage Greed nations.

American drywall costs what compared to Chinese POISON?

And WHY does American drywall cost more than the garbage made thousands of miles away in a nation where product safety is a NOT issue and then hauled so far?

When Americans are desperate for work at the same time?

[jeepers]

How much could it possibly cost?

This makes me ill.

[BillyBobUSA]

Thanks for the headsup.

Yeah, Chinese GARBAGE is hard to avoid, since Carter made China Super Commerce Giant of the universe and the Dems have destroyed American ability to compete with Garbage Greed nations.

American drywall costs what compared to Chinese POISON?

And WHY does American drywall cost more than the garbage made thousands of miles away in a nation where product safety is a NOT issue and then hauled so far?

When Americans are desperate for work at the same time?

I have no idea.

I mean, just look at what drywall is made of: reconsituted chalk glued between two peices of paper.

How expensive can that be?

But if the Chicoms are putting absolute crap into the drywall that is free because it is industrial waste, maybe the money saved is enough to be just under American made dry wall.

[BillyBobUSA]

How much could it possibly cost?

This makes me ill.


Well, it is making alot of Floridians ill, apparently.

[rhet 2]

I have no idea.

I mean, just look at what drywall is made of: reconsituted chalk glued between two peices of paper.

How expensive can that be?

But if the Chicoms are putting absolute crap into the drywall that is free because it is industrial waste, maybe the money saved is enough to be just under American made dry wall.

It's been years since I last bought any, but back then it was $8 for a four x eight sheet of the stuff. With inflation, I wouldn't be stunned at $20 now. Green wall, which has a water resistant coating on one side is more, of course.

But, you're right: there's NO EXCUSE for this kind of garbage -- nor for lead paint on kid toys.

Nor is there any excuse for our federal bureau that's supposed to insure import safety to have been so irresponsible and totally careless.

Question: are they selling the same killing trash to their own people -- or just exporting it to make Americans ill, while exercising some common human decency when it comes to their own citizens?

Considering how much the Chinese slobs don't give a damn about human life itself, I'll bet it's going out world wide -- and the greedy gut profiteers just don't give a damn how much blood guilt lands square on their dishonorable, unworthy, immoral, low class, uncivilized and indecent asses.

[jimjames418]

It's been years since I last bought any, but back then it was $8 for a four x eight sheet of the stuff. With inflation, I wouldn't be stunned at $20 now. Green wall, which has a water resistant coating on one side is more, of course.
They must have seen you coming. I will not use anything but the green wall and last year when I bought some at Lowe's it cost me $6 sheet, and it wasn't on sale.

Anyone or any builder who builds in a humid climate should use the green wall. Holds paint better and does not pick up moisture, which causes the paint to peel and the drywall to flake.

[BillyBobUSA]

It's been years since I last bought any, but back then it was $8 for a four x eight sheet of the stuff. With inflation, I wouldn't be stunned at $20 now. Green wall, which has a water resistant coating on one side is more, of course.

But, you're right: there's NO EXCUSE for this kind of garbage -- nor for lead paint on kid toys.

Nor is there any excuse for our federal bureau that's supposed to insure import safety to have been so irresponsible and totally careless.

Question: are they selling the same killing trash to their own people -- or just exporting it to make Americans ill, while exercising some common human decency when it comes to their own citizens?

Considering how much the Chinese slobs don't give a damn about human life itself, I'll bet it's going out world wide -- and the greedy gut profiteers just don't give a damn how much blood guilt lands square on their dishonorable, unworthy, immoral, low class, uncivilized and indecent asses.


I agree, but I have to wonder how much guilt these conscienceless slimeballs can possibly feel.

[peter45]

Considering that the “conservatives” are supposed to be completely against any type of regulation,

That the “market” is supposed to solve everything,

Even after the homes are built, and the people are getting sick,

This situation seems completely consistent with the “conservatives” utopia.

[BillyBobUSA]

Considering that the “conservatives” are supposed to be completely against any type of regulation,

That the “market” is supposed to solve everything,

Even after the homes are built, and the people are getting sick,

This situation seems completely consistent with the “conservatives” utopia.


That is not historical conservatism; that is 'free trade' neocon and anarchist ideology posturing as conservatism.

Lincoln would never had agreed to the level of imports we have today nor the destruction of American wages we have seen.

What conservative is it that ignores the historical positions of his own party?

None, but a lot of people confuse libertarianism with conservatism and they are two different things entirely.

[peter45]

That is not historical conservatism; that is 'free trade' neocon and anarchist ideology posturing as conservatism.

Lincoln would never had agreed to the level of imports we have today nor the destruction of American wages we have seen.

What conservative is it that ignores the historical positions of his own party?

None, but a lot of people confuse libertarianism with conservatism and they are two different things entirely.


I use the term “conservatism”, meaning populist “conservatism”, as contrasted to genuine Conservatism.

Possibly/probably the same contrast that you are referring to.

[BillyBobUSA]

I use the term “conservatism”, meaning populist “conservatism”, as contrasted to genuine Conservatism.

Possibly/probably the same contrast that you are referring to.


Yes, pretty much.

Dont you love how words keep changing their meaning?

[Techgod]

"The Florida (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Florida) complaints generally involve homes built or renovated in 2005 and 2006, when a building boom and post-hurricane reconstruction caused a U.S. drywall shortage that spurred builders to turn to imports, Martyak said."

[Techgod]

Is this really an issue? Drywall I mean? Since there is no shortage right now, since building is in the crapper, I would expect the shelves are stocked with your favorite US made drywall.

Most every one I see listed at the local building supply is from American Gypsum. "American Quality, American Made, American Pride". They have it cornered in my parts.


Are we only speaking of dangerous imports? Because if we are discussing how to prevent and punish makers of dangerous products I would like to talk about peanuts.

Since China is mentioned I will draw a few comparisons.

Who is in jail over the peanuts that sickened hundreds? Produced right here in the good ole US? Texas, business friendly.

What did China do with their FDA head who took bribes? Shot him in the head.

What did China do with the execs whose company poisoned babies through milk? Bullet in the heads. Probably lined them up for one shot.

Now I hate Chinese products as much as the next red blooded American. I read labels. I search out not only US made but I spend a little extra to go to smaller local shops instead of large chains. The money is well spent since I usually get better quality and service.

Someone is buying that stuff or it would not be imported. Caveat emptor is usually thrown out there when dealing with US products.

These builders know cheap material when they see it no matter where they buy it from. Are we letting them off since they are not evil, life hating Chinese?

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

Yet another story on the poor quality/hazardous quality of Chinese products exported to America. Gee, color me shocked. :doh:

When are we (USA) going to hold other industrial nations and the products they produce to the same standards and regulations that we hold our own companies too? China is not the same poor little me country is was in Carter's day. They are a growing economy that is thriving. If we don't hold them now to our standards...then when?

Want jobs/contracts/corporations to stop going over sea's? Make any exported /imported item meet our own standards and regulations before going to market. Fairly simple concept really. :confused:

Can US home owners sue the manufacture over the defected materials? Or are they (China) exempt/protected from that too?

~Mysty

[MrShotShot]

The apple producers in New York State are concerned about Chinese-grown apples undercutting their market.

If someone can grow an apple in China, import it to the US, and do so at a price that is cheaper than the guy who is literally 5 miles up the road from me, then we've got a real problem on our hands.

[mysticbeauty_nbeast]

The apple producers in New York State are concerned about Chinese-grown apples undercutting their market.

If someone can grow an apple in China, import it to the US, and do so at a price that is cheaper than the guy who is literally 5 miles up the road from me, then we've got a real problem on our hands.

But don't you think part of the issue is that in the USA you must meet standards of pay and work environment were as the Chinese don't have those standards? If those standards were to be fully applied to the whole of Chinese products/workers, don't you think the American manufacturing/products would be once again competitive in the world market?

It's like these Greenies...wanting to implement tougher and more expansive Green laws upon USA manufacturing. Meanwhile, newly industrial nations don't have such Green laws imposed on them..making their products cheaper, while destroying their environments.

I just don't understand the antiquated thinking of our Government when it comes to Mexico or China while imposing damaging and costly laws to ourselves. Makes no sense at all.

~Mysty

[rhet 2]

Well stated.

Personally, I think it is a deliberate assault against the middle class/small business owners they cannot control by the same big-business profiteering tactics they use for the wealthy and the perpetual permanent freebies they use to control the uneducated Vulgares mobs.

The Chinese are also deliberately selling at a loss to destroy American production -- just as they virtually wiped out the Garlic Growers Association in CA using unfair pricing AND smuggling to take over the American market and bankrupt American producers. Now, the likelihood is that ALL garlic sold worldwide, but especially in the US, comes out of China.

And the tariff protections that open our markets to them, close their markets to us, and CLOSE OUR MARKETS TO OUR OWN are deadly not just to American commerce and industry, but to American consumers.

This policy dates to Carter, who used Mexican garbage produce and livestock to bankrupt American small farmers, which put land held by families since the initial settlement of the midwest into bankruptcy, allowing mega-ag corps to buy it at way below market value. That's how we wound up with the Mega-Profit Corporate farms like the one in CA that killed kids with the ecoli infected spinach. Same crisis is occurring with other food products. Where small farmers had to get and maintain a rep for the Best of the Best at a reasonable price, these mega-corps -- including Chinese and Mexican government-supported competitors -- are able to corner markets and then get damned careless and irresponsible in selling the cheapest garbage for the highest prices they can get.

And a LOT of even our food is coming from foreign competitors who do NOT face the same mandates for quality and food/product safety AND LABOR COSTS and LABOR SAFETY mandates and WORKER COMP mandates -- and are actually PRO_MONOPOLY nations out to destroy American commercial and industrial competition for world markets -- especially the American market, which is the richest market on earth.

Government supported FOREIGN monopolies are destroying American competition, aided and abetted by our own government.

From food to toys to clothing and fabrics, steel and oil, across the board.

[BillyBobUSA]

Well stated.

Personally, I think it is a deliberate assault against the middle class/small business owners they cannot control by the same big-business profiteering tactics they use for the wealthy and the perpetual permanent freebies they use to control the uneducated Vulgares mobs.

The Chinese are also deliberately selling at a loss to destroy American production -- just as they virtually wiped out the Garlic Growers Association in CA using unfair pricing AND smuggling to take over the American market and bankrupt American producers. Now, the likelihood is that ALL garlic sold worldwide, but especially in the US, comes out of China.

And the tariff protections that open our markets to them, close their markets to us, and CLOSE OUR MARKETS TO OUR OWN are deadly not just to American commerce and industry, but to American consumers.

This policy dates to Carter, who used Mexican garbage produce and livestock to bankrupt American small farmers, which put land held by families since the initial settlement of the midwest into bankruptcy, allowing mega-ag corps to buy it at way below market value. That's how we wound up with the Mega-Profit Corporate farms like the one in CA that killed kids with the ecoli infected spinach. Same crisis is occurring with other food products. Where small farmers had to get and maintain a rep for the Best of the Best at a reasonable price, these mega-corps -- including Chinese and Mexican government-supported competitors -- are able to corner markets and then get damned careless and irresponsible in selling the cheapest garbage for the highest prices they can get.

And a LOT of even our food is coming from foreign competitors who do NOT face the same mandates for quality and food/product safety AND LABOR COSTS and LABOR SAFETY mandates and WORKER COMP mandates -- and are actually PRO_MONOPOLY nations out to destroy American commercial and industrial competition for world markets -- especially the American market, which is the richest market on earth.

Government supported FOREIGN monopolies are destroying American competition, aided and abetted by our own government.

From food to toys to clothing and fabrics, steel and oil, across the board.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: