FEMA To Test Methods To Reduce Formaldehyde In Travel Trailers
Release Date: August 8, 2006
Release Number: HQ-06-119
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is moving forward to address concerns that have been raised regarding the levels of formaldehyde in travel trailers in the Gulf Coast region.
The agency has specifically asked for and received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an air monitoring and sampling plan that is intended to validate methods that can be used to reduce the presence of formaldehyde in travel trailers. The sampling plan was reviewed by an outside expert.
Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, but common industrial chemical that is found in homes and buildings everywhere. It is used in glue, particleboard, fiberboard as well as furniture made with these pressed wood products. Formaldehyde also is found in a variety of materials encountered in everyday life - cigarettes and cigarette smoke and personal care products. Some people are particularly sensitive to it, while others may not notice it at all once the odor begins to dissipate.
Currently, FEMA is making the necessary preparations for the testing - arranging for the trailers to be moved, preparing the site; and setting up trailers for use in on-site project management, equipment and supply storage and to recharge and maintain instruments.
Air samples from unused trailers will be collected and analyzed with and without the heating, ventilation and air condition system operating. Temperature and humidity will be moderated by various degrees of open windows, static vents and exhaust fans as well manufacturer-installed air conditioning units. The agency is using unused trailers because that will allow testing of units that have not been affected by human activity, including the presence of materials containing formaldehyde that were brought into the trailers by occupants.
Samples will be taken at different times of the day; ambient outdoor samples also will be taken concurrent with the collection of the samples in the trailers. Ambient temperature and relative humidity data will be collected as well for each ambient sample.
Meanwhile, FEMA will soon begin distribution of a brochure to trailer occupants across the Gulf Coast explaining how those persons sensitive to formaldehyde may be affected by its presence and preliminary actions they can take to reduce their exposure in the trailers. The advice includes taking steps to:
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Increase ventilation. Open the windows and door of the trailer and use fans to force stale air out and bring fresh air in.
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Keep indoor temperatures cool. Heat does cause formaldehyde to increase the rate at which it releases fumes, so, after the trailer is well ventilated, keep temperatures cooler with air conditioning.
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Lower the humidity. Like heat, humidity causes formaldehyde to release fumes, so keep the relative humidity at about 40 to 50 percent in the trailer.
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Do not smoke inside. Tobacco smoking releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
