Scientists examine FEMA trailers amid formaldehyde level concerns

Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director, said scientists need time to determine how - and why - formaldehyde levels varied among different models of FEMA trailers. Scientists from the CDC and the University of California's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory also are looking at ways to reduce formaldehyde emissions in the trailers.

The study was limited to materials in unoccupied government trailers. Gerberding said other studies indicate formaldehyde levels in manufactured homes are steadily decreasing "in a fairly significant manner."

"Mainly because the manufacturers don't want this problem," she said, "so they're learning how to use new materials and changing their processing."

Kevin Broom, spokesman for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, said the industry would adjust its manufacturing techniques if the government adopts stricter formaldehyde standards than those set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"We in the RV industry are committed to following the science and making sure our products are safe," Broom said in a statement.

FEMA said its New Orleans office received nearly 70 phone calls from concerned residents after Thursday's announcement.

Sherry Gremillion, 45, a waitress still living in a St. Bernard Parish trailer park, said she can't afford an apartment large enough to accommodate her family or close enough to her job. FEMA expects to close the trailer park by March 15.

"I fell asleep crying last night," she said Friday. "I don't think I'm going to make it."

Hundreds of Gulf Coast trailer dwellers are suing manufacturers in federal court, accusing the companies of furnishing FEMA with shoddily constructed units that jeopardized their health. By law, FEMA can't be named as a defendant in the consolidated litigation until next month at the earliest, according to plaintiffs' lawyers.

Critics say FEMA should have reacted sooner to concerns that formaldehyde is to blame for a host of ailments reported by trailer occupants.