Local woman claims drywall made her ill

"I truly believe it is supernatural favor by the grace of God that I'm here to tell my story today because I should be dead in that house," said Michelle Germano.

Germano is referring to a home she lived in for three years at Harbor Walk Condominiums. Germano says her unit had Chinese drywall. She says it smelled like rotten eggs and destroyed her appliances.

"The stench started in 10 months. I lost two tread mills, I've lost a TV, I lost a washer, dryer and a refrigerator."

Germano says she's lost much more since then. Her dog became sick and so did she. She's moved out, but is still battling health issues. She says the Chinese dry wall burned out her mucous membranes.

"I've been on 12 medications - 12 prescription medications," said Germano.

Germano has had to start all over.

"Financially, I'm starting over with everything. I'm talking towels, sheets, I'm sleeping on a mattress on the floor," she explained.

"You lose everything, I'm 59 years old you walk away from everything," Germano continued.

Since 10 On Your Side first began covering local Chinese Dry wall concerns, Harbor Walk has also lost its Management Company, the Hennin Group. A meeting was held Monday night to develop a new board of directors. Norfolk City Councilman Randy Wright attended.

Wright says council wants to make sure Chinese dry wall doesn't wind up in any other property.

"Don't think for one minute that there isn't a whole bunch of it laying around somewhere, because there is and any number of unscrupulous renovation or builders will try to slide this in," said Wright.

Germano worries less about herself and more about unsuspecting residents.

"The children that are living in this, it breaks my heart to know that they're being exposed to this," said Germano.

"This is a major national problem people need to know they're living in chinese drywall," she continued.

Ten On Your Side talked to the Chesapeake Health Department back in March. They told us then that they do not know of any long-term health risks caused by the drywall.