Posted October 8, 2009

By Kevin Spak, newser.com

(Newser) – With the controversy over Chinese drywall about to come to a head, the New York Times checks in on the issue and finds hundreds of lawsuits piling up around the country. The imported material, which became common as builders scrambled for supplies during the housing boom, is said to be contaminated with sulfur compounds that cause headaches and breathing difficulties, corrode metal—destroying kitchen appliances, TVs and plumbing—and give off a noxious smell.

“There could be 60,000 to 100,000 homes that are worthless and have to be ripped completely down and rebuilt,” says one lawyer. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is wrapping up an investigation on the matter—the largest in its history—and working to keep any more of the drywall from entering the country. President Obama is likely to face pressure to raise the issue when he visits China next month.