Victimized by toxic drywall, homeowners take action

PORT ST. LUCIE-People coping with the scourge of toxic drywall are increasingly turning their frustrations into activism.

Tirzah Pestenski, of Port St. Lucie, says she and her husband have had one problem after another since moving into their home three years ago. The couple has encountered health issues, and countless corroded houshold items. The culprit appears to the Chinese drywall installed in the house.

Now Pestenski is joining together with other homeowners affected by toxic drywall. Later this month, she'll join a group in Washington D.C., for meetings with members of Congress.

Pestenski says, "Our hope is to continue to open up the lines of communication and seek aid and assistance in this. If this was a hurricane, we would have FEMA trailers here. We would be in some safe place."

Pestenski says she also plans to take part in a toxic drywall rally planned for December 5 in the Ft. Myers area.

The organizer of that rally, Brenda Brincku, says while planning the event, she and her husband came up with the idea of making T-shirts. Brincku's daughter designed shirts and a series of items that read, "Got toxic drywall?... a headache that just doesn't go away." The merchandise is available on-line.

Brincku says she's not trying to make money, but raise awareness. "The shirts are kind of our way of being able to share our story with people," explained Brincku.

You can find the merchandise at the so-called "Toxic Drywall Store" at www.zazzle.com/toxicdrywall.