In this April 8, 2009 photo, Mary Ann Schultheis displays the black dust that is covering the copper tubes in the air conditioner in the second story of her Parkland, Fla. home, while speaking about the problems that she is having with her house.

Believe it or not some people are allergic to their homes. Bad reactions to chemicals used in the building materials is usually to blame. There is a recent wave of bad reactions to homes in the U.S. lately and homeowners are blaming drywall from China.

For some this isn’t surprising because of the toxic toys made with lead from China recently. The drywall is said to emit sulfur compounds and angry homeowners are particularly concerned about their children.

Symptoms of the homeowners living in these homes made with Chinese drywall include:

“itchy eyes and skin, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and bloody noses as well as corrosion of electrical wiring and home appliances.” ~AP

This is Yael Naïm’s cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic”. I think she captures the umm toxicity of the song and puts a focus on the lyrics and the sentiment of the lyrics by subtracting the bubble gum.

These Chinese drywall companies are being held responsible and Chinese officials are being cooperative in helping the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission in their investigations of these products.

The majority of the homes built with these imported materials are in Florida and Louisiana.

Sadly, some of the homes include those rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. At least one insurance company is covering the claim. What about they others? Maybe they can sue?

The angry residents have taken to starting their own store to sell merchandise hoping to bring attention to their story at rallies and push local congresspersons to act on their behalf. They’re also hoping to break even. Check out the rest of their goods at zazzle.com/toxicdrywall

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