CDC to Test Formaldehyde Levels in FEMA Trailers in Hurricane Katrina Areas

In a joint press release, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that they will begin testing formaldehyde levels in the trailers and mobile homes provided by FEMA for people left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. The testing will occur in Mississippi and Louisiana starting December 21.

Those living in and near the FEMA trailers and mobile homes have repeatedly raised concerns about the formaldehyde levels and general air quality in these temporary dwellings. FEMA has asked CDC for their assistance in addressing these concerns.

"We are mindful of the importance of this information to people who have been living in temporary housing for such a long time," said Dr. Henry Falk, director of CDC's Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention. "This is a complex task. Knowledge about health effects of formaldehyde on long-term residents of temporary housing is limited. Levels we find in these tests will help everyone involved in this process make better informed decisions about what steps to take."

In the meantime, FEMA says it has "placed a priority" on helping people move out of temporary housing. They are joining forces with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and other government agencies to find better housing for trailer and mobile home residents.

"FEMA's first priority has been and continues to be the health and safety of temporary housing residents," said FEMA Administrator David Paulison. "Upon request, FEMA will continue to move any temporary housing unit resident with a formaldehyde concern into a hotel or motel immediately and will work with all residents to provide them a housing alternative. Every occupant who has expressed a health concern through our hotline has been offered a housing alternative and we are continuing to work with each of them to find a permanent housing solution that meets their needs."