Crist asks EPA, CDC for help with Chinese drywall

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – April 6, 2009 – Gov. Charlie Crist has sent requests to the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asking for help with problems attributed to tainted Chinese drywall.

Crist requested Friday that the federal agencies help Florida develop chemical testing strategies for homes that are experiencing severe copper corrosion. The request comes a day after Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., asked the governor to declare a state of emergency over the problem. Crist has not declared a state of emergency, and a spokeswoman says it’s not clear what practical effect a declaration would have.

An estimated 30,000 Florida homes could contain sulfur-emitting Chinese drywall that reeks of rotten eggs, destroys residential wiring and appliances and could cause health problems.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press.

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