Rally for a Cause Saturday at Shell Factory
The Rally for a Cause, a program geared to raising awareness of the hazards of toxic drywall and its effects on children and families, will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ithe Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers.
The purpose of the rally, according to organizers, is to draw government leaders’ attention to the problem. Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, whose home in Southwest Florida was built with Chinese drywall, is scheduled to speak at 11 a.m.
Between 2004 and 2007, thousands of homes across the country were built with Chinese drywall after the construction boom and several hurricanes led to a shortage in domestic drywall. Thousands of homeowners in 32 states have been reportedly affected by toxic drywall.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reportedly received more than 2,000 complaints to date and not all of them are due to Chinese drywall, but also American-made drywall.
Signs of defective drywall include strong sulfur odors, corrosion of copper wiring and failing air conditioning units. While there has been no official determination that the drywall causes physical ailments, some living in the homes built with the drywall have reported such health issues as itchy eyes, headaches, bloody noses and breathing problems.
Those attending the rally who have been affected by Chinese drywall are asked to bring an 8 x10 photo of their family that will be used to draw attention to the number afflicted by the problem.
Admission to the rally is free.
Located at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail off of U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers, The Shell Factory is open year round and admission is free.
For more information, contact Brenda or George Brincku at (239) 693-1854 or (239) 464-9148.