Louisiana Democrats use formaldehyde worries against Vitter

[ccharles000]

Louisiana Democrats are hoping to capitalize on a festering local health issue in their campaign against Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).

The threat posed by so-called “toxic trailers” distributed by FEMA to hurricane survivors could be a critical issue in the state’s Senate race.

“For the 34,000 Louisianans who lived in FEMA trailers, this is a very personal issue,” said Kevin Franck, a spokesman for the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Formaldehyde, a chemical commonly used in building materials and household products, was found in elevated levels in thousands of trailers distributed by FEMA after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. In lawsuits filed against the manufacturers, victims said the levels of formaldehyde in the trailers caused their health to deteriorate.

Democrats say Vitter has blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from releasing a report that concludes formaldehyde is dangerous. Vitter’s office, however, has argued that more testing is needed before a final decision on new regulations is reached.

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/73683-louisiana-dems-use-formaldehyde-worries-against-vitter