(OLATHE, KS – July 21, 2009)
Issues related to the use of drywall manufactured in China and installed in homes in and around areas affected by Hurricane Katrina have grabbed consumer attention and newspaper headlines in recent months.
According to an article published July 19th in the Times Picayune, New Orleans major daily newspaper, the drywall “emits sulfur compounds that have been blamed for corroding household appliances and contributing to a variety of health ailments. The EPA and the product safety commission are investigating Chinese drywall, which was installed in a number of Louisiana homes as they were rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina.”
The Times Picayune then cites a letter from the IRS to Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida that if the drywall "emits an unusual or severe concentration of chemical fumes that causes the extreme and unusual damage you describe, affected taxpayers can qualify for a casualty loss deduction."
While this issue solely affects building contractors and suppliers under new home warranty laws and not home service contracts or related statutes, the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is providing helpful advice to consumers.
The NHSCA suggests that Louisiana residents who believe contractors may have Chinese drywall installed in their home, they should contact The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). The LRA has a recovery fund to help with remedial construction. (http://www.lra.louisiana.gov). Affected homeowners can also contact Louisiana Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell at 225-342-1700 or at 225-326-6705.
“We understand that Congress is also looking to provide tax payers with some relief due to the use Chinese drywall in post-Katrina construction.” said Billy Jensen, Fidelity National Home Warranty and president of the NHSCA. “Unfortunately, this is yet another obstacle for residents of the Gulf States as they work to rebuild their lives and communities.”
The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more about home service contracts visit the NHSCA website page www.homeservicecontract.org
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