The latest challenge confroning new homeowners is toxic drywall manufactured in China.  The Herald-Tribune reported in February that shipping records indicate at least 550 million pounds of drywall were imported to the US from 2006 on, which would translate to about 60,000 average sized homes.

While issues with Chinese drywall were first noticed in coastal Florida, experts now say homes in as many as 20 states may have been built with the toxic material.

The drywall emits foul-smelling sulfide gas, which over time corrodes any metal in the home.  Plumbing and electrical components are affected, as are appliances and air-conditioning units.

The most pressing issue now is determining whether or not the drywall poses a serious health threat. Thomas Martin, president of the national consumer advocacy group America’s Watchdog fears “this could literally turn out to be the worst case of sick houses in U.S. history”.

The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted initial material analysis of the drywall, and pledges to continue working with its state and federal partners to respond to this issue.