Study confirms Formaldehyde in FEMA Trailers

Hurricane victims have been complaining about FEMA trailers making them sick for a very long time. Now a recent study has confirmed that the FEMA trailers contain formaldehyde.

The study found:

--Average levels of formaldehyde in all units was about 77 parts per billion -- a level higher than U.S. background levels. And that exposure "over time at this level" can affect health. Levels measured ranged from 3 ppb to 590 ppb.

--The levels -- measured in the winter and long after residents moved in -- likely underrepresent long-term exposures since formaldehyde levels tend to be higher in newer travel trailers and during warmer weather.

--Indoor temperature was a significant factor for formaldehyde levels in this study independent of trailer make or model.

--Formaldehyde levels varied by model -- "mobile homes, park homes and travel trailers" -- but all types of trailers tested had some high levels.

--At the levels seen in many trailers, health could be affected.