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Tainted drywall answers sought at Tampa forum

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By SHANNON BEHNKEN

sbehnken@tampatrib.com

Published: November 7, 2009

TAMPA - Hundreds of scientists, builders, engineers and others converged on Tampa this week to share research and learn more about tainted drywall imported from China.

Most agree the drywall emits a gas that destroys appliances and corrodes air-conditioning coils and metal pipes. One thing that's not as clear: how the gasses affect the health of those in the homes.

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., addressed the group Friday at the two-day Technical Symposium on Corrosive Imported Drywall and urged them to continue their work.

"This will send a message to Washington," he said. "We want to create a one-stop shop for people navigating this situation."

The event was co-sponsored by the Florida Department of Health, the University of Florida's Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, and the University of South Florida's College of Public Health. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Geological Survey also participated.

The symposium follows last week's announcement that federal studies couldn't definitively link the imported drywall to health concerns or corrosion. Another report is expected to be released before Thanksgiving.

U.S. homeowners have been reporting corrosion and health problems, such as itchy eyes and difficulty breathing, for nearly a year. The tainted drywall was used mainly during the housing boom.

It has been found in more than 30 states, but mainly in Florida and Louisiana, where the drywall was used to rebuild after hurricanes.

Nelson expressed frustration that the federal study was not more definitive and said he will continue to press for answers.

Kelly Garland, spokeswoman for the symposium, said not only was information shared, but gaps were indentified where more research needs to be done.

"The science is what will drive this thing forward," she said. "Until we get the conclusive results, you have to keep looking for the results."

Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.

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