Michael S. Foreman, with Foreman and Associates, Inc., Forensic Construction Consultants, originally used the term DEFECTIVE in conjunction with Chinese drywall to define and label the problem, when investigating and performing analysis of projects in 2008.
In early 2009, Foreman, who works with lawyers and clients to resolve complex construction litigation issues, has been extensively deposition by lawyers over the years, decided it would be prudent and smart to research the facts and ASTM Standards concerning gypsum boards or sheet-rock as it is commonly called to confirm and validate questions, he would be required to answer, under oath, in future litigation, that would surely follow his diagnosis of structures with tainted corrosive Chinese drywall.
Foreman decided the ASTM STANDARDS would be the best, most accurate, and most widely accepted authority and resource to reference and validate his future answers while under oath, during litigation events.
Foreman quickly, February 2009, confirmed the term DEFECTIVE was not only in-correct, but actually FALSE and MISLEADING, not to mention, a validated means and method for lawyers to discredit his future testimony, and opinions.
Foreman quickly distanced himself from the term DEFECTIVE when referencing Chinese drywall and initiated the terms, TAINTED and CORROSIVE, when discussing, explaining or referencing the issue.
Gypsum boards or sheet-rock is manufactured under ASTM 1396 Standards and Guidelines, that incorporated the old ASTM C 36 Standard in late 2004, early 2005, found stamped or labeled on numerous brands and types of Chinese drywall, imported into the United States, from late 2000 to 2008.
Numerous brands and types of Chinese drywall, Stamped or Labeled with the ASTM 1396 or ASTM C 36 Standard, indicating the manufacturing process has been certified and documented to meet the ASTM International Standard, allowing the product to ... PASS ... rigorous Import Documentation Standards and Guidelines, and therefore enter the United States, and be distributed and sold.
TRUE ... the product meets the ASTM 1396 Standard, Section 4.1 Guidelines ...
"GYPSUM BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF A NONCOMBUSTIBLE CORE, ESSENTIALLY GYPSUM, SURFACED WITH PAPER BONDED TO THE CORE."
Foreman quickly realized ... two (2) key words ... ESSENTIALLY GYPSUM ... would legally dis-credit and question his testimony and integrity of anybody, group, agency, or corporation that labeled the product as DEFECTIVE.
Simply stated and explained ... the product is ESSENTIALLY GYPSUM, weather synthetic or natural, the product is in fact ... ESSENTIALLY GYPSUM ... PERIOD !!!
These facts and findings also answer the ... MYTH QUESTION !!!
Foreman immediately, February 2009, when talking with numerous media organizations and others who called for information concerning his extensive research and knowledge of the issue, referenced the product as TAINTED and CORROSIVE ... but ... NOT DEFECTIVE ... to avoid any misunderstandings, conclusions, past statements, or facts concerning the product or material, associated with extensive corrosive of copper building components and electrical components, causing or leading to failures of HVAC coil systems and electrical equipment.
Foreman continues to read and see numerous references to ... DEFECTIVE Chinese Drywall ... and fails to understand how and why the consumer, contractors, lawyers, Judges, CPSC, OSHA, EPA, and ASTM, would invest, purchase, attend, believe, support, or promote ... anybody, group, agency, or corporation that continues to mis-label, mis-state, and mis-represent the product as ... DEFECTIVE ???
Foreman continues to openly QUESTION any Certification, Test Method, Protocol, Treatment, Abatement, or Product that incorporates the term DEFECTIVE, when associated or referencing Chinese or Tainted and Corrosive drywall.
Clearly an educated, knowledgeable, informed, and professional individual would not want to provide deposition answers, provide legal testimony, documentation, training, or certifications ... including or referencing ... the product as ... DEFECTIVE ... with readily available, validated, accurate, information available, that would potentially lead to litigation or accusations of false and mis-leading acts for profit or gain.
Foreman encourages the consumer, news media, and other ... to confirm and validate his findings and facts ... then remember ... when in the ... HOT SEAT ... under oath ... or just talking with friend ... choose your words carefully, accurately, and factually ... to avoid ... LOOKING IGNORANT, UN-EDUCATED and UN-PROFESSIONAL.
For any-further information, questions, or comments ...
http://www.ConstructionGuru.com
941-955-8111 or Michael@
Educating, Informing and Empowering Consumers for over 10 years ...
Michael S. Foreman
Foreman and Associates, Inc.
Forensic Construction Consultants
Sarasota, Florida
