The Consumer Public Safety Commission and Department of Housing and Urban Development today released new remediation guidance for families whose homes were damaged by toxic Chinese drywall. The new protocols will better help homeowners to correctly identify problem drywall and provide more comprehensive remediation for any potential health and safety issues associated with the problem drywall.

Senator Warner touring Chinese drywall-damaged homes in Hampton Roads in 2009.

The new remediation guidelines include the replacement of all problem drywall, fire safety alarm devices (including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms), electrical distribution components (including receptacles, switches, and circuit breakers), and gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems. 

In October 2009, the Senator and the chairwoman of the CPSC toured damaged homes in Hampton Roads. Senator Warner has also urged banks and lenders to continue forbearances and to cease derogatory credit reporting.  He has worked with the credit bureaus to mitigate credit reporting inaccuracies. In addition, at the Senator’s urging, the IRS announced in September 2010 that they will allow homeowners dealing with drywall issues to deduct a portion of the cost of repairs to their homes and the replacement of fixtures and appliances.  

Senator Warner will continue to work with the CPSC, HUD, and other lawmakers to develop a national plan to help restore homes built with the drywall.