Travel Trailers & Formaldehyde Update

FEMA at all times remains concerned with the health, safety and security of the people who are temporarily living in travel trailers while they rebuild their lives following a disaster. We have received some complaints about formaldehyde from occupants of FEMA-provided travel trailers in the Gulf Coast region. In response, we have implemented the following plan of action to determine what measures need to be taken:

Air Sampling

Phase I involved enlisting the assistance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to design and implement a plan for collecting air samples from travel trailers to test for the presence of formaldehyde. The objective of this sampling is to quantify the effects of mitigation methods used to reduce the presence of formaldehyde in travel trailers.

Only previously unoccupied trailers were tested in order to eliminate any effects from human activities that might cause formaldehyde level to rise (i.e. smoking, introduction of products containing formaldehyde such as furniture, etc.)
The samples were collected from 96 travel trailers from manufacturers that provided units for use on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Sampling began on Sept. 15, 2006.
After collecting baseline data, the trailers were ventilated by opening windows and static vents and modifying the speed of exhaust fans as well as temperatures of manufacturer-installed air conditioning units. Samples were taken at different times of the day; ambient outdoor samples also were taken concurrent with the collection of the samples in the trailers. Ambient temperature and relative humidity data was collected as well for each ambient sample.

Analysis and Next Steps

EPA compiled the data gathered during the sampling phase and provided it to FEMA on Nov. 17, for further analysis. Phase II analysis will involve examination of the data to determine the impact of the ventilation and climate control measures on formaldehyde levels. Upon completion of this analysis, FEMA will determine what actions are warranted to reduce levels of formaldehyde in FEMA-provided travel trailers. Phase III will involve communication of our results and analysis and implementation of any appropriate measures.

Formaldehyde can be strong-smelling at times, but it is a common substance that is found in homes and buildings everywhere. It is present in glue, particle board, fiberboard as well as furniture made with these products. Some people may be particularly sensitive to the chemical, while others may not have any noticeable reaction at all. It also can be found in a variety of materials encountered in everyday life, including cigarette smoke and personal care products.

In the Meantime

Meanwhile, FEMA has distributed information 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. Occupants are advised as follows:

Increase ventilation. Open the windows and door of the trailer and use fans to force stale air out and bring fresh air in.
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,.
Keep the humidity low. Like heat, humidity causes formaldehyde to release fumes, so keep the relative humidity in the trailer at about 40 to 50 percent.
Do not smoke inside. Tobacco smoking releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-Feb-2007 15:54:48 EST