Formaldehyde Limits Set

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is setting strict new limits on formaldehyde levels in the temporary housing units it buys for disaster victims.

Each unit purchased in the future must test below 0.016 ppm, which means the concentration of formaldehyde in the indoor air will be comparable to the levels typically found in conventional U.S. homes.

Testing this year has shown that formaldehyde levels, on average, are about five times higher in existing FEMA units than in most modern homes. FEMA says the new procurement specifications will take effect with 1,400 mobile homes and 1,900 park-model trailers that it plans to buy over the next three years for use in future disasters. Some are expected to be available for this year's hurricane season.

FEMA says the manufactured housing industry can reduce formaldehyde emissions by removing certain fibers, insulation, and other components that release elevated levels of the chemical. "There is no national standard for formaldehyde levels in American homes," FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison says. "Until there is a consensus standard, we will take extraordinary precautions."

Formaldehyde is a preservative commonly used in construction materials. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory and other serious health problems.