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FEMA Trailer Residents Fighting Mold and Formaldehyde

Families and individuals still living in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers as a result of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters are beginning to purchase their own cleaning supplies in order to fight off what appears to be black mold according to the residents.

Although the government is measuring levels of formaldehyde, a common component in particleboard and other materials, they had not anticipated measuring or testing for black mold. These officials will be inspecting FEMA trailers throughout the Gulf Coast region.

According to some residents in FEMA parks, mold started to grow over a year ago and since then residents have been fighting off the organism. Since mold spores can cause severe health problems, residents are becoming scared but willing to do whatever they can to thwart the growth of this hazard. Residents say that the FEMA inspectors have simply sprayed the mold with bleach but it continues to return.

There have been no noted problems with formaldehyde, just mold. Residents are encouraged to contact the FEMA support center at 866-877-6075 if they have any mold problems. According to the people at FEMA, if a resident reports mold, they send an inspector to verify and a contractor to remove it.

FEMA has been fielding complaints about mold and formaldehyde and many people have been complaining of respiratory conditions, some even contacting lawyers to get involved. Although FEMA has not divulged how many people have complained of mold, it did start receiving complaints over a year ago about formaldehyde levels. Due to this threat, FEMA has stopped issuing its traditional trailers. Formaldehyde is a common component of many building materials.

Resource Article: http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/index.ssf?/base/news/1198754124149510.xml