Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought new houses constructed from the defective
building materials are finding their hopes dashed, their lives in limbo. And experts warn that cases like the
Ivorys', in which insurers drop policies or send notices of non-renewal based on the presence of the Chinese
drywall, will become rampant as insurance companies process the hundreds of claims currently in the
pipeline.
The Florida Health Department, which is investigating whether the drywall poses any health risks, said it has
received more than 140 homeowner complaints. And class-action lawsuits allege defective drywall has caused problems
in at least three states -- Florida, Louisiana and Alabama -- while some attorneys involved claim such drywall may
have been used in tens of thousands of U.S. homes.
Homeowners' lawsuits contend the drywall has caused them to suffer health problems such as headaches and sore
throats and face huge repair expenses.
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