Florida seeking drywall relief

Florida is asking the federal government for disaster relief for consumers overwhelmed by tainted drywall in their homes.

It's a highly unusual tack, and is the first step in seeking funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA typically helps in cases of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, not product defects. Kurt Pickering, spokesman for FEMA's regional office in Atlanta, said the agency is reviewing Florida's request.

Area counties could benefit most if the request is approved.

Florida homeowners with toxic drywall, imported mainly from China, deserve money and answers about health concerns, according to a letter Florida's interim emergency management director sent to federal officials Wednesday.

"Florida families are suffering deeply, and we need your urgent assistance," wrote David Halstead.

"While the health implications remain under investigation," he wrote, "it is undisputed that Chinese drywall corrodes copper and other metal surfaces, causing the degradation and nonperformance of wiring, plumbing, appliances and smoke detectors."

Halstead said he was acting at the request of Gov. Charlie Crist, who wants the federal government to conduct a preliminary damage assessment and provide financial assistance to those with property damage from the bad drywall.

Homeowners complain of nosebleeds, respiratory problems, dry eyes and headaches.

Experts have said as many as 100,000 homes nationwide have tainted drywall that emits corrosive gasses, puts off a rotten-egg stench and may cause health problems. Most homes with the drywall were constructed from 2004 to 2007, during the housing boom.

Most of the tainted drywall appears to be Chinese-made. However, some homeowners have recently complained of similar problems with domestic drywall.

It is unclear how much financial help homeowners could receive if the disaster relief is approved. When FEMA helps in cases of disaster, there is a cap of just under $30,000 per family.

That might not go far in fixing the problem. Builders have estimated that eliminating the fumes requires replacing drywall and appliances by gutting the home down to the studs. On average, builders say, it costs about $100,000 per home.

Some builders have voluntarily offered to replace bad drywall, but some companies are unwilling or have gone out of business. Some homeowners have sued, while others have tried to fix their homes themselves.

"Some Florida residents have attempted to replace the drywall, but it is difficult due to the highly friable nature," Halstead's letter says. "Many have been forced to move from their homes fearing health risks and unbearable noxious fumes."

The state, according to the letter, has determined at least 530 homes in Florida that meet the Florida Department of Health's guidelines for being affected by the drywall. In addition, county property appraisers have identified 2,505 homes that have lost property values because of the drywall.

Hillsborough County ranks fifth among counties hardest hit by the drywall problem, the letter says. It identifies 437 homes in the county that may have the toxic drywall. Sarasota, Manatee and Pasco counties ranked eighth, 10th and 11th.

Homeowners have found that their insurance policies do not cover damages caused by the defective drywall. In many cases, manufacturers and builders that supplied or installed the drywall have denied liability.

"These homeowners have suffered greatly and often have no means by which to repair their home," Halstead said.

Meanwhile, a federal trial to determine what is needed to fix homes with the drywall ended last week in New Orleans. The judge in the case is expected to issue a ruling this month. The ruling aims to provide remediation and a monetary judgment against a major Chinese drywall manufacturer.