Health Department getting involved in Chinese Drywall problem

Tens of thousands of homes throughout the State of Florida are believed to contain potentially toxic Chinese drywall. Now, the Palm Beach County Health Department gets involved.

"We need to offer something to the individuals in Palm Beach County," said spokesman for the Palm Beach County Health Department, Tim O'Connor.

Because residents are expressing increasing concerns about toxic Chinese drywall. Up to now, questions had to be taken to the state in Tallahassee.

Now you can go right to the county health department.

"Our primary concern is people's health and there are some indicators now that it may be adversely affecting these individuals and we want to make sure that doesn't happen," said O'Connor.

Homeowners have reported symptoms, such as nosebleeds and respiratory problems. The health department blames it on something called Strontium Sulfide in the drywall. It emits an odor of rotten eggs when exposed to heat and high humidity. Black corrosive material has also been found on copper wires and pipes in homes with the toxic drywall.

"It's a huge stress both for us. We have sleepless nights," said Steven Roberts, who says his home has Chinese drywall.

Other residents at Cobblestone Creek, near Boynton Beach, say they've been dealing with just that. They claim dozens of homes there were built with the toxic drywall.

Wednesday, two Florida congressmen hosted a meeting, calling it a traumatic problem.

To get a better grasp of how many people locally may be effected, the Palm Beach County DOH is now also doing surveys, to get specifics.

"Now they want to hear from the people. When their house was built, if they have symptoms, what these symptoms are," said O'Connor.

Health officials say it's a step closer towards a solution.

Regarding those surveys, they are voluntary and confidential.

They're recorded and then put into a central database for evaluation.

If you'd like to reach the Palm Beach County Health Department for questions or to take that survey, call 561-355-3070.