NC Couple Claims Chinese Drywall Releases Harmful Sulfur Compounds

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A couple from North Carolina has filed suit against Chinese building material manufacturer Taishan Gypsum Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, and three of their controlling entities over claims that the defendants’ drywall emits various sulfur compounds into consumers’ homes, damaging property and causing “smelly and irritating” fumes. The suit alleges that the defendants assured potential customers that their drywall products met U.S. standards and regulations while failing to disclose that the gypsum from which the materials are manufactured could emit sulfur compounds – including hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide – that react with and damage other household materials.

“The sulfur compounds,” the complaint reads, “…cause rapid sulfidation and damage to personal property (such as the blackening and break down of air conditioning and refrigerator coils, faucets, utensils, electrical wiring, copper, electronic appliances and other metal surfaces and property).”

The suit further argues that the defendants, under the terms of their warranty, are required to cover the costs associated with replacing or repairing the damage to components of customers’ homes, including the cost of inspection, expenses associated with removing/replacing drywall and other property, devaluation of homes, and the loss of use and enjoyment.

The complaint alleges that although the drywall functions as intended, proposed class members would not have purchased it, or would have paid less for it, had they known of its supposed “side effects.”