A recent article in the Washington Post shows the continuing effect that toxic Chinese drywall is having on American consumers. The drywall was imported in large quantities from China during the housing boom when there was a shortage of supplies in the United States. Despite the fact that the boom is over, many homeowners are still struggling with collecting insurance for their crumbling and toxic residences and potential home foreclosures. The Post says:

"The defective materials have since been found by state and federal agencies to emit "volatile sulfur compounds," and contain traces of strontium sulfide, which can produce a rotten-egg odor, along with organic compounds not found in American-made drywall. Homeowners complain the fumes are corroding copper pipes, destroying TVs and air conditioners, and blackening jewelry and silverware. Some say the wallboard is also making them ill."

The drywall is a constant reminder for many that purchasing materials manufactured in China oftentimes means higher costs in the long-run. Read more here.