First Trial Over FEMA Trailer Fumes Opens

A jury will soon begin hearing testimony inthe first trial over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were exposedto potentially dangerous fumes while living in government-issuedtrailers.

By: Katie Hammond | WKRG-TV
Published: September 14, 2009

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(AP) - A jury will soon begin hearing testimony in
the first trial over whether Gulf Coast storm victims were exposed
to potentially dangerous fumes while living in government-issued
trailers.
Jury selection started Monday for the lawsuit against trailer
maker Gulf Stream Coach Inc. The lawsuit was filed by 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 "elevated levels" of formaldehyde, which can cause
breathing problems and is classified as a carcinogen.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)