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Susan Smith is a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health
Photo: Rick Flagg
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by Rick Flagg
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -- As if the real estate collapse wasn't enough, it now appears that some of the Floridians who bought a new home at the height of the housing boom, including the lieutenant governor, may have toxic wallboard.
When the gulf coast was rebuilding after the storms of 2004 and 2005, the domestic supply was used up and builders imported wallboard from China. Some of the homeowners with Chinese wallboard are now complaining about sulfur fumes that stink of rotten eggs and may be damaging metal and delicate electronics.
"We have about 70 complaints and of course that's a snapshot in time and is subject to change daily," Susan Smith at the Florida Department of Health said. "There are about 12 or 13 counties that seem to be affected in the south region."
Tests are already underway to determine if the wallboard fumes are a health hazard.
"Our state toxicologist went into 12 homes in the various counties that are potentially affected by this issue and took samples that will help determine if in fact there is a health risk involved," Smith said.
But the testing procedure takes 45 days. In the meantime, many families have left their homes. That includes the family of Lieutenant Governor Jeff KottKamp, whose home was built with the Chinese wallboard.
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