Toxic drywall could get tax break

Testing of defective Chinese-made drywall shows that toxic gases have corroded metal fixtures and could affect residents’ health. Senator Bill Nelson, who has led the legislative efforts to provide help for affected homeowners, has been told by a senior Internal Revenue Service lawyer that if it can be proven drywall emits an unusual or severe concentration of chemical fumes causing extreme and unusual damage, homeowners can qualify for casualty loss deductions.