Drywall (also known as gypsum board) is a commonly used building material found in homes and buildings throughout the world. Certain drywall manufactured in China has been found to cause problems. Much of this drywall was imported into the United States (enough to build 60,000 average-sized homes).

Several thousand homes in Louisiana, Mississippi and along the entire Gulf Coast constructed shortly after Hurricanes Katrina or Rita may be affected. This drywall causes problems including:

1. Failure of air-conditioning systems;
2. Corrosion of electrical wiring and building framing;
3. Corroded and pitted metal in the household;
4. A foul smell like rotten eggs;
5. Irritated eyes, respiratory problems, nose bleeds and headaches that alleviate when you are away from your home.

According to a report on Environmental Expert.com, the problems appear to be related to the presence of iron disulfide (FeS2 pyrite) in the material. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (OCS), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon disulfide (CS2) are suspected chemicals that may be released by the drywall into the home.

If you've installed Chinese Drywall in your home, you may have expensive repairs to make and potential health problems. We can help you protect your home and your health. Contact Machelle Lee Hall or Carlos Zelaya at our office if you would like more information.

For more information please visit:

The Florida Department of Health website on Imported Drywall

Chinese Drywall in the Gulfport Sun Herald

Many businesses along the Gulf of Mexico coast have had a difficult time obtaining wind insurance coverage since Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma hit in 2005 and have often ended up paying more than twice as much for the insurance as they did previously, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

Gulf Coast businesses are also paying higher wind insurance deductibles while getting lower limits on policy coverage, the study by the nonprofit research organization found. That means businesses are spending more for less protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and other major wind storms.

To read the full article, click here.

An historic agreement with State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. means up to $500 million in payments to policyholders previously dissatisfied with their Hurricane Katrina insurance settlements.

To read the full article, click here.

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