Thursday, July 30, 2009
OIG criticizes FEMA trailer response
FEMA failed to respond effectively to dangerous levels of formaldehyde in trailers provided as temporary housing to 2005 hurricane victims, according to a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General.
Complaints about fumes in the temporary housing began in early 2006, but FEMA had no formal policy or procedure set up to handle them, OIG's report (.pdf file) said. The agency spent nearly a year looking into ways to decrease formaldehyde levels in never-occupied trailers but failed to address concerns with occupied units, according to the report. Additionally, FEMA twice blocked the progress of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study on formaldehyde levels in occupied trailers.
OIG recommended FEMA develop better policies for identifying and correcting health and safety issues, including requirements for officials to address those issues in a timely manner.
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas released from a variety of indoor sources. At high levels, the chemical can be irritating to the respiratory system, and long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.