WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Potentially toxic drywall sparks lawsuits

Potentially toxic drywall sparks lawsuits

By Keitha Nelson - bio | email

WALKER, LA (WAFB) - Hundreds of Louisiana homeowners are filing lawsuits over potentially toxic drywall that attorneys say when mixed with heat and humidity, turns into a gas that could make families sick.

The Dunlaps built their dream home three years ago in Walker. They put their life savings into the place, but a recent discovery turned their dream into a nightmare. "Sure enough, I moved a bunch of insulation back and the sheet rock said, 'KNAUF Company, Made in China,'" said Jay Dunlap. "I didn't know whether to kick a hole in the ceiling or just to crawl back down."

Almost 600,000,000 pounds of drywall was shipped into the U.S. from China in 2006 during the post-Katrina building boom, but now it is believed that much of it was toxic. "You have to imagine trying to get back on your feet from Katrina," said Sal Christina with the Becnel Law Firm in LaPlace. "Everything you have you've invested into a new house. You're putting your life back together and you're told your house is what's potentially making you sick."

Christina says his clients' complaints range from bloody noses to itchy eyes and dizziness. He says there are a few ways to know whether or not your home was built with the supposedly toxic drywall. "Anything you plug into the wall could have just short-circuited or they just no longer work right," he said. "See these copper lines. Those all should be copper and shinny," said Dunlap as he showed a tour of his attic.

Dunlap says he has replaced his air conditioner six times since 2006. He says it appears whatever is in the drywall is eating away at the wires and cords that run through his home. He and his wife have been sick, but they're not sure if that's due to the drywall. What Dunlap is sure about is the hefty bill headed his way because he plans to have the drywall taken out. "We just built the house, so I'm not thrilled about gutting it and starting over. And I can't move out and go somewhere because I don't have the money to do it. I don't know what we're going to do."

Dunlap says his insurance company will not cover the expenses. Christina has filed for a class-action suit against the drywall company and others involved. The first hearing is set for July 9th.

©2009 WAFB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.