Problems with Drywall

Over the past few months, problems with drywall (a.k.a. gypsum board, wall board, Sheetrock, plaster board) imported from China have surfaced in the media.

Some of the problems:
- metals rusting or tarnishing
- appliances such as air conditioners failing
- corroding electrical wiring
- unpleasant smells (rotten eggs or sulphur)
- skin rashes, nausea and headaches

The problems stem from a shortage of drywall during the housing boom in and around 2005 that led to builders importing drywall from China which happened to inadvertently contain impurities such as sulphur.
Many of the big nationwide builders are involved but the problems so far seem to be isolated to the SE United States-largely Florida and Louisiana.
The builders are also largely standing behind the repairs which are expected to cost up to around $100K per home.