FEMA's Toxic Trailers

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing today on FEMA's Response to Reports of Toxic Trailers. They are investigating formaldehyde levels in FEMA trailers provided for victims of the Gulf Coast hurricanes and FEMA's response to these reports. Formaldehyde is used in paint and adhesives, and is classified as a "known carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Reports of high formaldehyde levels found in FEMA issued trailers and FEMA's response raise serious public health concerns. More than 86,000 victims of Hurricane Katrina still live in FEMA trailers.

This is Chairman Henry Waxman's opening statements.


This is the opening statement from Mary DeVany, an industrial hygienist, who explained the danger of formaldehyde and the need for immediate action.


And this is Representative Elijah Cummings questioning the witnesses at today's hearing.


(What was it Kanye West so wisely said about George W. Bush??)