First Trial Over FEMA Fumes Opens

Jury selection will begin on Monday in the one of the first trials over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were exposed to formaldehyde while living in FEMA trailers.

By: Christian Stapleton | WKRG-TV
Published: September 13, 2009

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A jury will soon begin hearing testimony in
one of the first trials over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were
exposed to potentially dangerous fumes while living in
government-issued trailers.
Jury selection begins Monday for the lawsuit against trailer
maker Gulf Stream Coach Inc. The lawsuit was filed New Orleans
resident Alana Alexander and her son, Christopher Cooper.
However, the federal government won't be on trial.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt ruled last month that a two-year statute
of limitations bars Cooper's claims against the government. Lawyers
say they plan to appeal that ruling.
Hundreds of consolidated lawsuits claim FEMA trailers exposed
residents to formaldehyde, which can cause breathing problems and
is classified as a carcinogen.