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By
Associated Press
.
Published: Tue, January 29, 2008 - 11:06 am
WASHINGTON (AP) - An investigation by congressional Democratsshows the Federal Emergency Management Agency manipulated
scientific research in order to play down the danger posed by
formaldehyde in trailers issued to hurricane victims.
A letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said
the study released in Washington says FEMA ignored, hid and
manipulated government research on the potential impact of
long-term exposure to formaldehyde on hurricane victims now living
in FEMA trailers.
The letter from Democrats on a House Science and Technology
subcommittee was sent to Chertoff because FEMA is part of the
Homeland Security Department.
People living in FEMA trailers have complained of health
problems related to formaldehyde, but initial FEMA tests revealed
the air quality in the trailers was safe -- if those trailers were
properly ventilated.
Formaldehyde is a common preservative found in building
materials used in manufactured homes. It can cause respiratory
problems and has been classified as a carcinogen by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable
carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
FEMA Trailer Plaintiffs Win In Court
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