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New tests show that FEMA trailers distributed to residents who lost their homes during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita contain excessive levels of formaldehyde, a toxic gas that can cause cancer and a number of other serious health effects.
Of approximately 600 FEMA units provided to hurricane victims, 95 percent were found to contain unsafe levels of formaldehyde—between two and 70 times greater than what the Centers for Disease Control deems safe for prolonged exposure.
Serious Health Risks
The long-term health risks of formaldehyde are not well-known, but the gas is considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency has also named the toxic gas a “probable” carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.
Among formaldehyde's immediate health risks are:
• Respiratory problems including asthma and bronchitis
• Bloody nose
• Sinus infection
• Skin rash
• Burning or irritated eyes
The tests were conducted privately by a Texas law firm and the Sierra Club.
“FEMA officials in Washington have repeatedly failed to take the steps needed to protect the thousands of families living in trailers and mobile homes. FEMA should start following through on its promise to test the trailers and start making the health and safety of these families a priority,” said Rep. Henry Waxman of California.
(Source: MSNBC)
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