Get Those FEMA Trailers Out Of Jefferson Parish

If you don't have a place to say Jefferson Parish says tough nooky---your FEMA trailers are no longer welcome:

In a weekly drumbeat since mid-April, the parish has filed batches of trailer suits. The most recent group of 27 lawsuits was filed on Tuesday and brought the total to 200.

Administrator D.J. Mumphrey, who supervises the parish's trailer removal campaign, said the almost weekly rounds of fresh lawsuits are over. The parish is considering suing in 58 remaining cases, but those cases involve uncertainties about who legally owns properties and could take more time to resolve.

Toxic Trailers

Why does it take so long to do the right thing?

Accused of taking months to correct a misleading report about the possible health risks of formaldehyde in FEMA trailers, a government agency announced Tuesday a five-year study of Gulf Coast children to determine the long-term effects of exposure to the gas.

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.