In December 2007 and January 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measured formaldehyde levels in a stratified random sample of 519 FEMA-supplied occupied travel trailers, park models, and mobile homes (i.e. 'trailers'). At the time of the study, sampled trailers were in use as temporary shelter for Louisiana and Mississippi residents displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The study aimed to determine formaldehyde levels in occupied trailers, determine trailer characteristics that could affect formaldehyde levels, and provide information to assist FEMA in deciding whether to relocate residents from FEMA-supplied trailers in the Gulf Coast area. This study assessed only current formaldehyde levels in the occupied trailers; it was not a health effects study. To evaluate levels of formaldehyde, investigators conducted a 1-hour continuous indoor air sample and sample measurements of indoor temperature and relative humidity. To determine factors that could affect formaldehyde levels, investigators administered a short questionnaire to adult residents about occupant demographics and trailer characteristics. To observe the exterior and interior of the trailer, investigators conducted a walk-through survey. In many of the trailers tested, formaldehyde levels were higher than typical U.S. indoor levels. The geometric mean level of formaldehyde in sampled trailers was 77 ppb (range: 3-590 ppb). Formaldehyde levels varied by trailer type, but all types tested had some levels > or = 100 ppb, the level at which health effects have been described in sensitive persons. In this study, travel trailers had significantly higher average formaldehyde levels than did park models and mobile homes. A higher proportion of travel trailers than park models and mobile homes also had formaldehyde levels > or = 100 ppb and > = 300 ppb. In multivariate analysis, factors such as temperature; relative humidity; trailer type and brand; opened windows, doors, and scuttles; and presence of mold (> or + 1 ft(sup 2)) were significantly associated with formaldehyde levels.


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    Title :

    Final Report on Formaldehyde Levels in FEMA-Supplied Travel Trailers, Park Models, and Mobile Homes


    Publication date :

    2008


    Size :

    61 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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