Trial begins in tainted drywall case

The first contested trial concerning toxic drywall gets underway today in New Orleans.

Tens of thousands of frustrated homeowners, many of whom have received little to no help from their builders, anxiously await the results of the trial. This test case will likely set the course for how others are handled.

The case is part of a national consolidated litigation of more than 2,000 cases, including some from the Bay area. Homeowners are suing one of the manufacturers of the drywall, and the judge in the case may determine the extent of the damage and how much it would cost to repair the homes.

"We've been waiting for this," said Jack Landskroner, a Cleveland lawyer with Landskroner-Grieco-Madden Ltd., who is representing MI homeowners across the nation.

"The judge has moved fast in getting this test case into court, but a year is still a long time to wait for someone who is living in a house filled with contaminated drywall."

The health effects of the drywall, imported mostly from China, is still being investigated. Homeowners contend the drywall emits sulfuric gases that corrode air-conditioner coils, appliances and electrical wiring.

Some homeowners complain of nosebleeds, respiratory problems, dry eyes and headaches. Many have fled their homes, fearing for their health.

Experts have estimated as many as 100,000 homes nationwide have tainted drywall. Most homes with the drywall were constructed from 2004 to 2007, during the housing boom, and the majority of the homes are located in Florida.

The trial comes on the heels of last week's announcement that Florida is asking the federal government for disaster relief for consumers affected by the tainted drywall.

The state asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide financial assistance to affected homeowners.

The request is unusual because FEMA typically helps in cases of natural disasters, not product defects. FEMA is reviewing the request.