FEMA, CDC announce results of formaldehyde tests on travel trailers
By SHARON KERR Staff writer

The news that mobile homes in Hope, AR, were being sent to the recent tornado victims in Arkansas and Tennessee generated speculation in Jasper that the marshalling yard here might reopen sales of travel trailers.

Not so, according to Don Jacks, lead public information officer for the FEMA Texas transitional recovery office in Beaumont.

"Currently there are more than 3,600 travel trailers at the Jasper marshalling yard that were de-activated after months of use, and in some cases, more than two years of use, by Louisiana and Texas Hurricanes Katrina and Rita families," Jacks said.

Just last week, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) released results of formaldehyde tests on such trailers. The report says a random sampling showed average formaldehyde levels at 77 parts per billion (ppb), and that "long-term exposure to levels in this range can be linked to an increased risk of cancer, and as levels rise above this range, there can also be a risk of respiratory illness." Indoor levels of formaldehyde are commonly in the range of 10-20 ppb, and higher levels in the trailers was of particular concern for the elderly, children and pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.

Jacks explained that the mobile homes which are being shipped from Arkansas to tornado victims are mobile homes, not travel trailers.

"The Hope, AR, mobile home inventory is being used as it was meant to be...stored to be used, on very short notice, in future disasters," Jacks said.

FEMA explains, "Mobile homes differ from travel trailers in that mobile homes are designed for more longer term stays and travel trailers are specifically designed as recreational vehicles for shorter stays."

The travel trailers in Jasper were being sold at government surplus auction, until reports of respiratory problems and concerns about long-term effects on families moved legislators to stop the sales last summer.

Jacks said, "I have no indication from FEMA headquarters in Washington, DC, that there are any plans to reinstate the travel trailer sales program."

Those still living in the travel trailers are being notified with letters delivered in person by CDC and FEMA representatives who can answer questions and discuss housing alternatives. The CDC has recommended that FEMArelocate all families living in trailers before the weather warms again, according to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on FEMA's website.

"We know that higher temperatures can cause formaldehyde levels to go up," said Dr. julie Gerberding, CDC director.

As of Feb. 1, there were approximately 38,000 households still living in FEMA trailers and mobile homes.

The FAQs state "FEMA will move any resident into a hotel or motel immediately upon request and is working with all residents to provide them with a housing alternative."

However, the federal government's disaster housing program was transferred to HUD on Dec. 1, 20007. Beginning March 1, those still in government-supplied housing such as an apartment will be asked to pay $50 the first month, increasing $50 each month to a maximum of $600, unless they apply and qualify for rental assistance based on income and family circumstances.

CDC and FEMA have established hotlines to handle questions about housing concerns at 1-866-562-2381 or 1- 800-462-7585, or go to www.fema.gov.