Settlement Approved for Victims of Formaldehyde Found in FEMA Trailers
Description: Some of the tens of thousands of people forced to live in FEMA trailers after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may finally get some money to help pay for their exposure to the gas, formaldehyde. According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde is "a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household products." The group goes on to say, "Research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and several cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia."
Judge Kurt D. Englhardt has approved a class action settlements agreed upon by the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee. One of the settlements requires the makers of the trailers to contribute more than $37 million to a fund for the victims. The other requires government contractors who installed, maintained or refurbished trailers to contribute more than $5 million. It's estimated that the money will have to be divided among more than 50,000 people.
This page has been viewed 334 times.
Follow Us