Taishan drywall

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Hospital admission

   Made Mar 10, 2015 · , sent to the company Apr 7, 2015 · , published by CPSC Apr 21, 2015

   The product, in the report: Chinese Drywall C1396 04 Standard

   The consumer purchased home by Renola Homes in April 2009. The consumer asked at the time of purchase if the home had Chinese dry walls. The consumer was informed the house does not have them.

   The consumer stated that she has had various things in her house blow out (Microwave, 2 televisions, air conditioner). The consumer stated that the light fixtures in her kitchen and bathroom, AC coils, hot water pipes and sink pipes have corroded. The smoke alarm stopped working about a year after moving in.

   The consumer has had various technicians calls for plumbing and AC unit.

   The consumer stated that her 9 year old daughter has developed asthma since they moved into the house. The consumer’s daughter has 4-5 asthma attacks per year. The consumer’s daughter is receiving treatments for her asthma and has been hospitalized for the attacks. She also suffers from severe migraines that make her vomit. She has seen a neurologist for the migraines. The consumer’s daughter has also broken out in hives all over her body. She has been seen by a medical professional for skin issues.

   The consumer, 32 years old, has had pneumonia 4-5 times since she’s moved into the home. The consumer received medical treatment.

   The consumer contacted an attorney ([REDACTED]) on 3/9/15. The attorney confirmed the presence of Chinese drywall in the home.

   The consumer stated that Renola Homes is no longer in business.

   The consumer was able to find the manf of the dry wall by searching online for “C1396 04 Standard”

   Where

   Violet, Louisiana: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 9, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Child

   As this report names them

   made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Hospital Admission

2. Hurt, care not known

   Made Jan 9, 2014 · , sent to the company Feb 14, 2014 · , published by CPSC Mar 4, 2014

   The product, in the report: Taishan 12 feet x 1/2 inch Drywall

   Dear [REDACTED],

   We, [REDACTED] and family, humbly ask that you investigate the circumstances surrounding Residential Credit Solutions Case Number [REDACTED] and BAC Home Loans Servicing FKA Country Wide Home Loans Servicing L.P. Case Number [REDACTED] so as to facilitate a reasonable solution of principle reduction or forgiveness to one hundred percent of current homevalue.

   Dearest Mr. President, due to the unemployment and sickness of my wife, I was unable to remain current with my home mortgage payments. We have been reaching out to the BAC Home Loans Servicing department since July of 2008 requesting relief. However, we were told that our written requests were not received and that our paperwork could not be found. We did notice that the servicers of our home loan changed at least seven times within the first year of our living in the home. However, we always made sure to send the payment to the name of the company who bad mailed us the most recent correspondence.

   My wife and I saved twelve years to be able to make the $5,000 down payment necessary on my current home mortgage of $315,000. We worked our fingers to the bone to escape the blighted community in which we once lived. Although we took a very active role in trying to turn the community around (as the attached copies of correspondence from the Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. and the award announcement letter from the 30th Anniversary Citizens Crime Watch of Miami Gardens indicate), we had no alternative but to work harder to find a home where our only autistic child could play in his fenced backyard without the danger of being hit by a stray bullet.

   After experiencing the utter despair in our old neighborhood, it was quite a relief to move into our current home because we knew that as long as we had health and strength. everything in our power that could be done would be done to ensure we lived in this home until we simply passed from this earth. After all, my wife was a ward of the state emancipated by Judge [REDACTED] at an early age. Furthermore, she realized that if she could survive living under South Florida overpasses and eating out of garbage cans at seven years old (because of her parents abuse); survive life in the Miami Bridge and the Childrens’ Home Society; struggle as a dual enrollee throughout high school and work fifteen to twenty hours a days until she earned her degree from a university; she would never, ever sleep on the cold concrete of any city sidewalk again. She would indeed work tirelessly for her ‘dream’ of a safe, loving home.

   It seems grossly unfair, that the lender wants us to be responsible for a $315,000 mortgage loan on a home that was never worth $315,000. In fact, the home is worth zero dollars as it is considered what we now know is a “distressed property” because it contains Tiashan Chinese Drywall present at the time of construction. We have tried to tell the bank, they just hang up on us. We often look at our Bonded Builders Warranty document guaranteeing us 10 Year Structural Warranty with a certificate of occupancy date of July 15, 2006 on the document and we shake our heads. No wonder we were the “first occupants” to ever live in the home. Nevertheless, we want to earn the opportunity to keep ‘our dream home.’

   We’ve managed to qualify for the Florida’s Hardest Hit UMAP and MLRP program as our Hardest Hit Fund Approval Letter indicates. We are working our way back, despite the fact that our disabled son sniffles and rubs his nose and eyes as well as scratches his skin because of irritation all night long. At least we take solace in feeling the home we saved 12 years for is peaceful and somewhat safe’ for him. Besides, we have no place to go. We do hope to hear from your office soon, as we have recently received a “foreclosure uniform order setting cause for non-jury trial and trial instructions” Friday, September 13,2013 summons from the Miami-Dade County Court at 73 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130.

   Most respectfully,

   [REDACTED]

   Model

   12 feet x 1/2 inch Drywall

   Where

   Cutler Bay, Florida: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Taishan, made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Level of care not known

3. No one hurt

   Made Aug 28, 2012 · , sent to the company Sep 6, 2012 · , published by CPSC Sep 20, 2012

   The product, in the report: defective chinese drywall

   I recently purchased a house at [REDACTED] thinking that I will have a better place to live. Unfortunately, that was the biggest mistake I have ever made. Not even a month later, I found out that the house was built with chinese drywall. Now I spent all my assets then I can not move into the house, unable to repair, and I’m paying a mortgage without even knowing when I will be able to move in. I think I was scammed by either the realtor, the seller or the inspector because everybody failed to disclosure the defect. Because the United States is a great country I’m confident sooner or later I will find justice and I will be able to move to my house. Thanks in advance.

   [REDACTED]

   Model

   chinese drywall

   Bought from

   Minelva Fleming, Florida

   Bought

   May 30, 2012

   Where

   Brandon, Florida: Other

   Who was involved

   Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Taishan, made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

4. No one hurt

   Made Jun 28, 2012 · , sent to the company Jul 19, 2012 · , published by CPSC Aug 2, 2012

   The product, in the report: Common sheetrock. Made in China.

   The air conditioning coil in the second floor air handler in our house has failed for the third time since the house was built in 2007. The HVAC repairman said it could be caused by toxic Chinese drywall. We checked in two places where the drywall was exposed in the house (attic and first floor air handler room) and found that the drywall was manufactured in China by Taishan. The coils of both air handler units and the exposed copper tubing have black corrosion all over them.

   Where

   Hertford, North Carolina: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Taishan, made or sold by Venture Supply LLC

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

5. Hurt, care not known

   Made Aug 19, 2011 · , sent to the company Nov 10, 2011 · , published by CPSC Dec 5, 2011

   The product, in the report: Chinese Drywall

   Caller’s son built home in 2008/early 2009, moved into home in 2009 and began complaining to his mother that his allergies were worsening, he was not sleeping well at night and he was convinced that the medicine he takes for ADHD is not working anymore. His 7yr old daughter visits the first & third week of the month, holidays & quite often just to spend time 4 weeks of the Summer. His daughter has been complaining that her eyes are dry and itchy. His 3yr old A/C unit has had many parts replaced such as the coil, the mother board and other parts. His Dryer stopped working unexpectedly, A/C Unit & Refrigerator is beginning to make noises (each is 3yrs old)

   Bought from

   Mazers

   Bought

   Mar 15, 2008, about then

   Where

   Pell City, Alabama: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 7, Female

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Other Relative

   As this report names them

   Brand Tiashan, made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Level of care not known

6. Emergency room

   Made Jun 13, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jul 6, 2011

   The product, in the report: Taishan drywall distributed by venture supply

   “We the People”, I am not sure what that means to most Americans, but to me it means; WE, all Americans, standing together in unison to support each other, much like on 9/11.

   “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

   I have toxic Chinese Drywall in my home that has caused health issues for my family and now we are facing foreclosure, credit devastation, certain economic difficulty, lawsuits against us, and what appears to be a long rocky road. While many people show support and empathy, no one seems to know how or be willing to help us and thus we are coming to you.

   My name is [REDACTED], I and my wife [REDACTED] have a five year old son ([REDACTED]) and three year old daughter ([REDACTED]). I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Marketing and began working in the wholesale distribution industry. In 2004 was married and [REDACTED] and I bought our first home together in the spring of 2006. We had been a typical American family chasing the American Dream the Constitution afforded us. Our house was a long term investment for us and a home for our family.

   I am writing this letter to inform you of my current economic hardship. My home contains toxic Chinese drywall, and remaining in the home puts me and my family’s health, and safety at risk; therefore I moved out in September of 2010. I entered a class action lawsuit in October with the goal of securing the (U.S. District Court of Eastern Louisiana) estimated $200,000 to remediate our home. I contacted my lender and explained my circumstances and they in turn gave me 90 days of not having to worry about paying my mortgage payments, and we made our last payment in October of 2010. Since then things have become very complicated and I believe the Bank is taking advantage of my situation.

   While in the house, my son [REDACTED] developed asthma and frequent nose bleeds, from the toxic drywall. His asthma treatment was quite severe and required anywhere from 2-10 breathing treatments per day, a daily prescription for [REDACTED], twice daily [REDACTED] inhaler treatment, Liquid steroids as needed, and trips to the hospital when none of the medicines worked. His heart literally felt like it would beat out of his chest. Since we moved out, he rarely needs anything though his doctor still has him on [REDACTED]. Even now if he visits the house for a short visit it triggers his asthma and he has 3-4 rough days of asthma attacks.

   Due to the health risks to my family, the terms of my mortgage loan and the current state of the US housing market, and the toxicity of the Chinese drywall, I found the need to relocate my family temporarily, until federal emergency funding for a repair can be secured, or we win the class action lawsuit as such, I found that I could no longer make the full mortgage payments, refinance, or sell my house. During my 19 plus years with a credit history, I have always maintained a high credit score, never missing payments or defaulting, and as recent as November of 2010, all three credit agencies reported all of my credit accounts were in good standing. If it were not for this toxic drywall I would not be in this position with my life, health, financial security, and credit being destroyed.

   I have always been a hard working American trying to live the American Dream and this home was an investment gone south do to greed and the pursuit of corporate profits at any expense. The government has failed to provide proper protection against this Chinese company who shipped toxic drywall that does not meet local building codes (ASTM certifications) and puts U.S. Citizens at risk. Over the last few months, I have come to realize that it is not just foreign companies that seem to bend the rules to profit. My Mortgage lender, U.S. Bank appears to be playing games with me and trying to further put me and my family in a bad position. I asked them in February for more time while I pursued legal action, a request that several U.S. Bank Default Loan Counselors told me was a reasonable request, but it was up to the foreclosure department who has yet to reach out and make any form of contact with me.

   Originally, they appeared to be working with me, the default counselors were nice and empathetic, telling me the nasty letters I was getting were standard practice and could not be stopped and I had a 90 day grace period. Once that time was up, I received a call that my house was going into foreclosure the next day and I would now need to deal with the foreclosure department. I was assigned a foreclosure counselor and I tried to reach her on many occasions, sending her faxes, having other U.S. Bank employees e-mail her to no avail. Her voice mail and another colleague of hers were always full. To this date I have never heard from the foreclosure department other than what appear to be form letters never offering me options. Finally, I received two certified letters from their lawyer (the letters were dated two weeks before we received them) notifying me they were hired to initiate foreclosure proceedings and that I was to deal with them from now on. They offered me options and strongly recommended I hire a lawyer, which I did. When my lawyer contacted them, they told my lawyer they were cancelling the foreclosure date of April 12th on my property. I was shocked as I had not received any notice of a foreclosure date; I had only been informed that proceedings would be initiated 30 days from when I received the two letters. Our lawyer asked the bank’s lawyer for a Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure, one of the options the bank’s attorney offered up as a solution. Yet after 10 days of that request, our lawyer had to once again make this request as the loss mitigation department did not have it on record. It’s been a month and we have not heard anything from the bank’s law firm and over three months since the bank has corresponded with me.

   Recently, the bank appears to be stepping up their attempts to make the situation worse for me. On April 30th, they had Five Brothers Security; a National Mortgage Property Management company hire someone to break into our home to secure the property. In the process, they elected to not pick the lock, but rather use a crow bar and destroy the door jam. They did put their own lock on that door, but the house was much more secure before they broke in as the door now has quite a bit of play in it and could easily be forced open, even with their lock on it. Most of our stuff was still in the home and was visible to the man that broke in. I notified the police and Five Brothers told the police they were hired to secure the property and prepare it so they could have our stuff removed from the home. Under my loan agreement, it spells out that I the borrower shall maintain the property so that it does not deteriorate or decrease in value; it does not seem right that they can choose to deteriorate and decrease the value of the home, a home which I still own, though I’m in default. Did they even have the right to break in? The property was locked up, my belongings were visible in the home and in my opinion the home was far from looking unsecure or abandoned. I’m now advised that I should hire a third lawyer to investigate a breach of contract on U.S. Bank’s behalf, but I’m not sure a third lawyer will do me any good, I don’t seem to be getting anywhere with the other two I have hired.

   My loan agreement also notifies me that it is my responsibility to not permit the presence of any toxic or hazardous substances in the home, which is part of the reason I entered law suits against those responsible for creating what some “think we are looking at the worst case of sick houses in US history.” The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the EPA, HUD, and you guys are all investigating the Chinese drywall and I believe all agree the drywall should be removed from the home. I have been attempting to protect both the bank’s and my investment, but seem to be thwarted by the bank because they do not care about me, they have not contacted me nor informed me of what is going on with my loan in 3-4 months, but I know they are actively trying to pressure me. Their law firm with whom I am told to deal with has yet to get any answers from the bank in over three weeks. I have been under the impression that the bank should notify me in writing should they decide to accelerate the breach of contract or send me written foreclosure notice, which they have not done, yet they break into the house and tell the local police they are preparing to have my stuff removed. Three weeks ago I wrote to the CEO, VP of Collections and VP of Consumer Banking begging for some answers, no one from the bank has contacted me. Two weeks ago I filled a complaint with the OCC which I thought was supposed to get back to me in 48 hours; I have yet to hear from them.

   I read in yesterday’s Virginia Pilot, “lingering Stink” that some elected officials have helped homeowners work with mortgage companies to put off payments, not me though; I have received some empathetic form letters.

   I have talked to loan counselors with Making Home Affordable, spoken to my bank, written Congressmen, Senators, the CDC, the CPSC, the VDH, the OCC, the President, hired two lawyers, and spoken to anyone that would listen; and my situation continues to worsen. The bank looks at me as a deadbeat, my credit has tanked, financial repercussions from the bank are mounting, and I will lose my house long before my lawsuits are settled. A recent update from my lawyer, [REDACTED] puts any resolution in the MDL at least two years away. Worse yet, even if we win the lawsuits, we may never get paid to fix the homes because there is no protection for U.S. Citizens wronged by a company overseas and the Federal government is unwilling to help.

   I have a Freddie Mac backed loan and it’s my understanding that the Federal Housing Finance Agency has worked with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to ask its servicers to reduce or suspend mortgage payments for up to 12 months and minimize the impact on the homeowners credit rating. I was given 90 days verbally on the phone and then told I was going into foreclosure. The Bank foreclosure department ignored me and would not return my requests. The Bank’s law firm processing the foreclosure offered me options, I chose a deed-in-lieu and for 3 months neither the bank nor the law firm will give me any answers, yet I am in active foreclosure.

   I am currently being sued by my Homeowners Association (United Property Associates) for not paying my association fees. I left them word in the fall of my current situation and told them I could not bear the additional fees and I have not heard from them for eight months, when I received a court summons. It is my understanding that Virginia Code requires them to notify me by certified or registered mail and give me a hearing, to which they have not. I am currently writing them a letter to see if they will forgive the debt and or listen to me.

   There are thousands of homeowners just like me in search of relief, I do not want to lose my home this way and exacerbate the national mortgage crisis further. While many Senators and Congressmen in VA have said they want to help, every time a bill could be introduced, bank and insurance lobbyist seem to kill it before it begins. There are roughly 400 homes in Virginia, somewhere between 8000-10000 Nationwide with Chinese Drywall and “We are not a big enough group to receive disaster relief”. We need help in restoring our credit, dealing with the mortgage companies, and getting justice from this foreign company. We want to move on with our lives and get back to living the American Dream. I’m tired of form letters and no action.

   I’m not sure the victims of Chinese drywall are or will get Justice, Have domestic Tranquility, Receive general Welfare, nor secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves nor receive Posterity, without your help. We the Victims of Chinese Drywall need your help!!! We are being ignored (have been deemed expendable) by our government. We have lost that most basic feeling of protection. Thank you very much for your consideration and I deeply appreciate any effort you can make to help our family and other victims. I just want to get this behind me and try to move on with my life but each day brings new road blocks and hurdles.

   Sincerely, [REDACTED]

   Bought from

   Residential Concepts - Builder

   Bought

   Jul 14, 2006

   Where

   suffolk, Virginia: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 5, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   My Child

   As this report names them

   Brand Taishan Gypsum, made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Emergency Department Treatment Received

7. Hurt, care not known

   Made Jun 2, 2011 · , published by CPSC Jun 23, 2011

   The product, in the report: Taishan Gypsum - Chinese Toxic drywall

   I purchased my first home sept.2010- I am retired on SS-disab.(age 63). Financed thru USDA. Had 2 inspections...yet NOW found it has Toxic Chinese Drywall! I had it re-inspected and contacted attorney. I will eventually lose everything! Contents, appliances, etc. It will become uninhabital at some point. Home owners ins. does not cover these toxic waste homes! I am frightened to death. I have now begun having headaches and realize other health issues may occur. I have no place to GO. I have no money! I am still making payments on this place. I will just have to stay here and slowly watch it “die”. Saddest time of my life. I have done a lot of research recently and no good answer. What do you suggest? I realize there are hundreds of others in the same “sinking boat”. I need someone to tell me what I need to do! Please help.

   Where

   Altoona, Alabama: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Age 63, Unspecified

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Taishan, made or sold by TAISHAN GYPSUM CO LTD

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Level of care not known

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources