At regional drywall conference, panelists warn against cutting corners in home repairs

In the latest of the ongoing toxic Chinese drywall saga, scientists are warning against cutting corners in efforts to repair homes affected by the tainted materials. Contractors should rip out the drywall and rebuild homes, said James Poole, an industrial hygienist for Environ International, while speaking Friday as a panelist at a state Chinese drywall symposium in Tampa. Steve Mlynarek, a professor at the University of South Florida, expressed concern that even the complete removal of drywall in that way might not be enough to prevent residual gases from contaminating the homes. Senator Bill Nelson, who also spoke at the conference, said he is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide temporary housing and urging the Small Business Administration to offer disaster loans to affected homeowners. [Sun-Sentinel]