MORTGAGE PROBLEMS? QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STIMULUS PACKAGE?
COME AND HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS:
Join Congressman Robert Wexler for a townhall meeting on the housing crisis, the
economy, the stimulus package, and what local services are available to get you the help you need.
Representatives from the following organizationsbe present:
Consumer Outreach - FL Department of Financial Services,
Department of Housing and Urban Development Affiliates,
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office - Economic Crimes Unit,
AARP, West Palm Beach Foreclosure Assistance Center,
Neighborworks, Veterans Administration, Foreclosure Judge
Cook of the 15th Judicial Circuit, Condominium Ombudsman,
Florida Foreclosure Defense Bar Association, Financial
Literacy Coalition, Fair Credit Law Center
Monday, April 13, 2009, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., South County Civic Center, Jog Rd., Delray Beach
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*For Immediate Release from the Office of Representative Maria Sachs
April 9, 2009
In response to growing complaints in our community regarding property damage and health hazards, I contacted the Florida Department of Health. As your State Representative, It is important that we get the word out to everyone who may be suffering from a health hazard related to the use of drywall imported into Florida from the Republic of China. I attended the meeting set up by United States Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Robert Wexler at West Palm Beach City Hall on April 8, 2009. I do not want to sound like an alarmist, however, after hearing testimony from many families who have suffered from the affects, I think it is important that our homeowners investigate and certainly register with the Florida Department of Health if they suspect that Chinese drywall has been used in the construction of their homes.
In the 2003-2007 housing boom and post-hurricane emergency repairs, contractors imported drywall from China that emits sulfuric gas. Chinese drywall corrodes metal and causes decaying of air-conditioning coils, metal fixtures, and jewelry and emits a rotten egg odor. Health problems reported by those who reside in homes built with Chinese drywall include headaches, sinus infections, and sore throats. The Florida Department of Health is “currently identifying and assessing potential human health hazards related to the phenomenon of rapid and recurring corrosion of metals inside homes.”
The Sun-Sentinel has released a checklist on how to inspect your home for Chinese drywall (4/9/2009):
• Remove some of your light-switch plates and look to see whether the wires inside are covered with black soot.
• Remove the air-conditioning panel and check whether the coils inside are black. A greenish tinge is normal.
• Check for black soot on the washer and dryer plugs.
• Look for an unfinished spot in the attic where the brand name of the drywall is visible. The brand name under investigation is Knauf.
• Visit the Florida Department of Health website: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html
If you discover Chinese drywall in your residence, file a complaint with the Department of Health at the aforementioned website link. I will be updating you on the further developments of this issue in our district.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact my office: (561) 266-6645 or email Maria.Sachs@myfloridahouse.gov.
Very truly yours,
Maria Lorts Sachs, State Representative
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To read my story in Sunday's Delray Community News Section of Sun-Sentinel CLICK HERE.