According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA, levels of formaldehyde inside travel trailers and mobile homes used by emergency housing residents in the Gulf Coast Region are significantly higher than typical indoor levels.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC Director, said “These findings support FEMA’s continued focus on finding permanent housing for everyone who has been living in travel trailers and mobile homes since the hurricanes. The levels in many of these trailers and mobile homes are higher than would be expected indoors. Since these levels were found in December and January, and we know that higher temperatures can cause formaldehyde levels to go up, we think it’s wise for people to be relocated before the hot weather arrives in summer. We also think that it would be beneficial for people who are displaying symptoms as well as households with children, elderly persons, or occupants with chronic respiratory illnesses to receive priority consideration for alternate housing.”
David Paulison, FEMA Administrator, said “As a result of preliminary findings FEMA will be taking additional actions to provide for the safety and well being of the residents of these travel trailers by finding them alternative housing. FEMA is leaning forward and will continue to act and provide information to our residents in an expedited manner.”
The CDC randomly selected 519 travel trailers and mobile homes, and tested them in December, 2007 and January 2008. The tests indicated that average formaldehyde levels in all the units were 77ppb (parts per billion). These levels are associated with a raised risk of developing cancers – slightly higher levels could significantly increase the dwellers’ chances of developing respiratory illness.
The CDC informs that the levels detected in these trailers and mobile homes were significantly higher than what one would expect to find in indoor air. Typical indoor air levels of formaldehyde should be in the 10-20ppb range. The levels found in these tested trailers ranged from 3-590ppb.
The CDC says it has placed public health officials in the Gulf Coast to provide expertise and advice. Next Thursday US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and FEMA members will hand-deliver to the occupants of the tested emergency dwellings a study letter with their individual test results. They will be on-hand to answer residents’ health questions, as well as inform them of their housing options. On the 25th February experts will provide public availability sessions to Louisiana trailer/mobile home residents. Further sessions will be provided for Mississippi residents on 3rd March.
FEMA says it is speeding up the relocation of residents from mobile homes and trailers to apartments or other alternative housing – including hotels, motels and Katrina cottages. Residents with health concerns as well as those who are most susceptible to health risks, such as seniors, people with respiratory problems, and families with small children will be given priority.
FEMA previously announced a plan to shut down all group sites and relocate residents by June 1, 2008, and will continue this activity as part of its ongoing efforts.
According to FEMA, 105,445 household have already been moved out of temporary housing units. 983 households were moved out of temporary housing during the week of February 6th. Approximately 800-1000 households are being moved out of temporary accommodation each week.
Mobile home and travel trailer residents are being advised to spend as much time outdoors as possible by FEMA and CDC. Windows should be kept open to allow for good ventilation wherever possible. Indoor temperatures should be kept as low as is comfortably possible – higher temperatures can cause formaldehyde levels to rise significantly.
FEMA employees are available to discuss housing concerns at 1-866-562-2381, or TTY 1-800-462-7585. CDC specialists will respond to health-related concerns at 1-800- CDC-INFO.
Written by – Christian Nordqvist