BOCA RATON, Fla. -- A South Florida congressman is asking Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency over tainted Chinese drywall.

Rep. Robert Wexler wrote Crist a letter Thursday asking for help. In the letter Wexler said the health and safety risks associated with Chinese drywall are similar to the impact of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

"This designation will allow state and local officials to work with these families to petition funds from FEMA that could help cover the substantial costs of removing Chinese drywall," Wexler said.

Wexler and Sen. Bill Nelson are working toward a legislative ban on Chinese drywall.

At a meeting in Parkland Thursday night, residents gathered to discuss the impact that Chinese drywall has had on the value of their homes.

"Right now the house is worth zero," Gary Schultheis told Local 10.

"We're vacillating. One minute we're staying, one minute we're rebuilding, one minute we're leaving. We don't know what to do," homeowner Mary Ann Schultheis told Local 10's Rob Schmitt.

Residents believe sulfur in the drywall is destroying electronic equipment and anything that has copper wiring.

"We're concerned about our health," Gary Schultheis said. "If it does this to metal and wiring, I don't think it could be very good for a human lung."

A South Florida attorney who is working on a class action suit, told Local 10 that if the suit is approved, he would be representing tens of thousands of people.

An estimated 30,000 Florida homes may contain the Chinese drywall.