Thousands of Florida homes have reported problems that have been traced to impurities in drywall, most of it imported from China.

Reports of odors, health problems, and corroded electrical devices in Florida homes began surfacing in summer 2008. A year later, laboratory tests found the Chinese drywall emitted sulfur-compound gases when exposed to heat and moisture.

In 2009, thousands of lawsuits were consolidated into a class action, still under way in federal court in Louisiana. For information on the court case, including how to participate, visit the court website: http://www.laed.uscourts.gov/Drywall/Drywall.htm.

In March, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued guidelines for dealing with tainted drywall. It recommends removing, not sealing or treating, the drywall, and replacing electrical components like plugs, switches and circuit breakers.

For information on cleanup, health effects and more, visit the Florida Department of Health website:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html