Katrina Mobile homes

[chaplainM]

In all the reports about the formaldehyde-tainted mobile homes that FEMA sent to the Gulf Coast, I've never heard anyone ask, "Who sold these trailers to FEMA?"

I'm sure at least a few DUers know the answer. Was it our friends at Halliburton®?

[Stargazer99]

1. Somebody tell me why formaldahyde has to be used

in the mobiles? Cheaper probably, honor capitalism..kill and injure the citizens

[FormerDittoHead]

3. Guessing it's used in some kind of adhesive or carpet... not allowed to air out properly..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde#Industry

Most formaldehyde is used in the production of polymers and other chemicals. When combined with phenol, urea, or melamine, formaldehyde produces a hard thermoset resin. These resins are commonly used in permanent adhesives, such as those used in plywood or carpeting. It is used as the wet-strength resin added to sanitary paper products such as (listed in increasing concentrations injected into the paper machine headstock chest) facial tissue, table napkins, and roll towels. They are also foamed to make insulation, or cast into moulded products. Production of formaldehyde resins accounts for more than half of formaldehyde consumption.

[whistle]

5. As a wood preservative and anti termite anti mold protection

...mobile homes are very dangerous and remember that these are used as classrooms all across the country.

[nickyt]

2. I've been curious to know where they were made, as well - ?

[zulchzulu]

4. Here's some links

"It's sickening and the exact opposite of what government should be," said the committee chairman, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. "It is impossible to read the FEMA documents and not be infuriated."

Congress Probes Trailers' Formaldehyde Fumes

NEW ORLEANS -- A congressional panel that's probing reports of formaldehyde in government-issued trailers heard testimony Thursday from several people who said the fumes were making them sick.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said the trailers meet industry standards and that proper ventilation can reduce the fumes.

But many people living in the trailers have complained.

"The first night, my wife had a runny nose and then realized it was a bloody nose. I was having symptoms -- scratchy throat and runny nose," Paul Stewart said.

Lindsey Huckabey testified that her 4-year-old daughter still suffers from the symptoms.

"She's had pneumonia, ear infection, breathing treatments, steroids and has been hospitalized three times to date," Huckabey said.
Formaldehyde is used in a number of materials in the trailers, including the particleboard used to make walls and cabinets. It is a known carcinogen.
"FEMA has not been not forthright with the investigation," Rep. Tom Davis said. "It took a year for FEMA to get required documents. After seeing documents, it's clear they're hiding behind dubious claims of confidentiality and privilege."

On Wednesday, the agency asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take a closer look at the issue to see if contamination levels are toxic.
FEMA recommends opening windows in the trailers and keeping the air-conditioning turned on to circulate air if the fumes are overwhelming.

http://www.wdsu.com/news/13714380/detail.html?rss=no&psp=news

More here:
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1184919836265550.xml&coll=1

[whistle]

6. Here it is, "Trailer and RV manufacturers love formaldehyde"

<snip>
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
RV makers LOVE formaldehyde...
Just last week, I spoke with two representatives from Forest River, a manufacturer in Indiana. One representative candidly told me that they actually apply formaldehyde to their paneling after they receive it. It is their belief that it helps to preserve the product.

For some time now, we have searched and searched for a trailer, RV or modular home that is nearly formaldehyde-free and has very minimal VOCs. We actually want to buy a couple units. One for Michigan and one for Gulf Coast of Texas. We're retired seniors and plan to spend our time in the best living comfort offered by either area.

For some time now, for more than one year, I have searched to find safer units that we can buy. Please understand that I'm not being entirely academic with this pursuit. We actually want to buy a couple of units.

The net result after all my searching is that there are NO safe (or safer) units built by ANY manufacturers of travel trailers, mobile homes, RVs or modular homes.

At first, most of the manufacturers blame the carpeting for formaldehyde emissions. However, when pushed, they also will reveal that none of their products are formaldehyde-free, and that includes vinyl, permanent press draperies, carpet, paint, insulation, paneling, cabinets, construction adhesives, subfloor and sheathing OSB. Just about NOTHING in their units, regardless of the manufacturer is formaldehyde-free or contains low-VOCs.

Unfortunately, the alternative solution is NOT to buy a stick-built house. Most of the construction materials contain toxins. And all of those toxic materials are used by the majority of builders, nationwide.

For those people who are interested in safer building materials, and in preserving their own health, we have established a blogsite that features safer alternatives. Nearly every unsafe product in use today can be switched for a safer product. People just need to know, so they can begin requiring those materials when they purchase a housing unit.

The blogsite is http://www.saferbuildinglivingston.blogspot.com/

To bring about a change, consumers need to inform the manufacturers and builders of all types of housing that they are aware that the majority of their components are toxic. Then people need to insist on safer materials. Otherwise, they will refuse to buy.

Manufacturers contend that the formaldehyde-laden materials are more economical and therefore are required to be used, so the manufacturer can remain competitive.

Well, if consumers balk and refuse to purchase, then the manufacturers will be forced to respond as a requirement to stay in business. But as long as immense quantities of toxic-laden units are purchased, such as the infamous FEMA trailers, the manufacturers have no reason to change any of their methods or materials.

Bob Gramer, Michigan
<link to more>

http://www.toxictrailers.org/search/label/formaldehyde%20RVs