WASHINGTON – Bipartisan congressional legislation to help prevent toxic drywall from entering U.S. consumer markets has been adopted and sent to the President for his signature. The legislation, The Drywall Safety Act of 2012 (HR 4212), was introduced by U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell (R-VA-2^nd) and adopted by the U.S. House last summer. An amendment offered by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) resulted in Senate passage of the bill earlier this week, and the House endorsed the amended legislation last night on a 378-37 vote.

The legislation directs the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop and enforce standards for the sulfur content of drywall. It also directs CPSC to enforce industry standards for product labeling to help prevent the re-use of tainted drywall and to make it easier to trace the origin of toxic, high-sulfur drywall back to the manufacturer.

Since 2009, Sen. Warner’s staff has worked closely with hundreds of Virginia families, primarily clustered in Hampton Roads and on the Peninsula, who have been exposed to tainted drywall used in their homes.  Tests found that high-sulfur drywall, much of it imported from China during the peak years of the building boom, emits sulfide gases that corrode copper coils in air conditioning systems, as well as wiring in appliances and electrical outlets. Many individuals residing in these homes also report significant negative health effects.

“Hundreds of Virginia homeowners have been put through hell after building or repairing their homes with toxic drywall. Our bipartisan legislation should ensure that, in the future, more Virginians will not have to go through similar nightmares,” Sen. Warner said. “This legislation helps make sure that unsafe drywall won’t be sold in the future, and that the manufacturers of tainted drywall will be held accountable.”

Over the past three years, Sen. Warner has worked with mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and the IRS to provide short-term financial relief for affected families in Virginia. In October 2009, Senator Warner brought CPSC Chair Inez Tenenebaum to Hampton Roads to meet with families and tour several homes affected by drywall issues.

The Drywall Safety Act of 2012 establishes chemical guidelines for drywall, from importation to disposal. The legislation prevents unsafe drywall from entering U.S. markets by ensuring that the CPSC adheres to certain consensus health and safety standards. The Act also ensures that unsafe drywall will not be reused by requiring it to be labeled with the manufacturer's identity.

“This is a bill about protecting American families – their health and financial well-being.  Too many of our friends and neighbors have suffered enough, and this bill ensures that preventative standards are in place so no American family is faced with the hardship and heartache from contaminated drywall ever again,” said Rep. Rigell.