Chinese Drywall Plaintiffs Take Aim at Recovery

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Homeowners and builders allege the drywall they used to fix homes damaged by hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 has corroded electrical wiring and emitted chemicals that make them sick. A federal judge last week found one Chinese company in contempt for ignoring the lawsuits. Lawyers say civil judgments from U.S. courts are not enforced in China, and taking the cases to international courts is expensive and time-consuming. Some are considering asking courts to seize the vessels that delivered the drywall. Others could seek damages from U.S investment banks that are part-owners in those Chinese firms. Meantime, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission is promising to speed up its investigation into the complaints. For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.