[StBernard] Jindal wants probe into FEMA trailers

[Westley Annis]

Jindal wants probe into FEMA trailers

KENNER, La. -- A Louisiana congressman on Thursday called for House hearings
on the government's response to formaldehyde fumes that have cropped up in
travel trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to storm
victims.


Earlier this month, FEMA dismissed findings by environmentalists that the
trailers pose serious health risks. FEMA said the fumes could be reduced by
opening vents and windows. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner, sent a letter to the House leadership
calling for congressional hearings on the issue, saying he was "astonished"
by reports of dangerous levels of formaldehyde in the trailers. Jindal said
FEMA's advice on how to handle the problem was unacceptable, especially in
the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast.

"Further, case studies show that even if residents followed FEMA's
guidelines on appropriate ventilation of trailers, high levels of
formaldehyde can remain," Jindal said.

FEMA has said that its trailers conform to industry standards and that the
agency has found no reason to question the safety of the trailers.

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