International Law

More Product Quality Problems?

By Stan

Story originates from Florida (a West Palm Beach tv station), so I’m not sure how widespread this is. I also cannot vouch for the accuracy.

Martin and St. Lucie counties are two of nearly a dozen counties where complaints of possible exposure to the contaminated drywall in new homes have arisen.

The problem may have been sparked by drywall imported during the local construction boom of 2004 and 2005.

Some common symptoms are irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and symptoms similar to bronchitis and asthma.

The contaminated Chinese drywall may be emitting one of several sulfur compounds including sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide. While exposure to fumes from sulfur dioxide can create irritation and breathing disorders, exposure to hydrogen sulfide can be deadly.

Need I point out that this is poor timing, what with trade relations becoming more difficult and Chinese exports dropping? There were a lot of discussions last year about the "China brand" and the hits it was taking because of product quality and food safety issues in overseas markets. A continuous stream of these "scandals" reinforces those branding problems and could lead to long-term changes in purchasing.

Full post as published by China Hearsay on December 30, 2008 (boomark / email).