House Panels Probe Charges That Science on FEMA Trailers Was Scrubbed

Two House subcommittees are investigating charges that federal agencies censored scientific information about the health risks posed by FEMA trailers to people living in them.

The subcommittees are seeking information on why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tried to get long-term risk information removed from a health guidance report on formaldehyde in trailers for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Moreover, they want to know why the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry agreed to remove it.

The two House Science panels are the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee (chaired by Rep. Brad Miller, D-NC) and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (chaired by Rep. Nick Lampson, D-TX).

• House Science Committee Press Release of Jan. 28, 2008.