Thursday, September 06, 2007
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY / EAGLE 2005-2006
Manufacturer : UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY VEHICLES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V395000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 10, 2007
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE SPLINE CAN STRIP WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED.
Consequence:
THIS STEERING CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V148). THEY WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-294-6773 OR UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY VEHICLES AT 915-943-7747.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY / EAGLE 2005-2006
Manufacturer : UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY VEHICLES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V395000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 10, 2007
Component: STEERING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON WORKHORSE CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE SPLINE CAN STRIP WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED.
Consequence:
THIS STEERING CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WORKHORSE IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V148). THEY WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-294-6773 OR UNIVERSAL SPECIALTY VEHICLES AT 915-943-7747.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FREIGHTLINER / FB-65 2005-2006
FREIGHTLINER / FS-65 2005-2006
Manufacturer : FREIGHTLINER LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V394000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 23, 2007
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 4850
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN DECOUPLING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PINCH BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-511. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FREIGHTLINER / FB-65 2005-2006
FREIGHTLINER / FS-65 2005-2006
Manufacturer : FREIGHTLINER LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V394000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 23, 2007
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 4850
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, IMPROPER PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN DECOUPLING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PINCH BOLTS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Notes:
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-511. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NEWELL / MOTOR HOME 2003-2008
Manufacturer : NEWELL COACH CORP.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V392000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 27, 2007
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 158
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX PARKER CHECK VALVES, THE PARKER BRASS CHECK VALVE WHICH CONNECTS TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF THE BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CAN FAIL.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON. THESE CONDITIONS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY, BRAKE DRAG, OR IN THE CASE OF LOSS OF PRIMARY CIRCUIT, INABILITY TO MODULATE THE SPRING BRAKES.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRASS CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NEWELL COACH AT 1-888-963-9355 OR BENDIX AT1- 440-329-9000.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NEWELL / MOTOR HOME 2003-2008
Manufacturer : NEWELL COACH CORP.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V392000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 27, 2007
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 158
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX PARKER CHECK VALVES, THE PARKER BRASS CHECK VALVE WHICH CONNECTS TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF THE BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CAN FAIL.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER THE OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON. THESE CONDITIONS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY, BRAKE DRAG, OR IN THE CASE OF LOSS OF PRIMARY CIRCUIT, INABILITY TO MODULATE THE SPRING BRAKES.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRASS CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NEWELL COACH AT 1-888-963-9355 OR BENDIX AT1- 440-329-9000.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ITASCA / ELLIPSE 2006-2007
ITASCA / HORIZON 2006-2007
WINNEBAGO / TOUR 2006-2007
WINNEBAGO / VECTRA 2006-2007
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V390000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 06, 2007
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 108
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISL CM850 DIESEL ENGINES, THE CONNECTING ROD CONTAINS A MACHINING DEFECT IN THE WRIST PIN BUSHING OF THE ROD THAT COULD CAUSE A SEIZURE OF THE PISTON PIN.
Consequence:
IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THIS CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE ROD RUPTURING THE LOCK CAVITY, SPILLING OIL AND DEBRIS ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO RECALIBRATE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND ENHANCE THE ENGINE PROTECTION SYSTEM ENABLING IT TO PROVIDE EARLY DETECTION OF THE FAILURE MODE AND AVOID MORE SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND RESULTANT SAFETY HAZARD. CUMMINS WILL ALSO INSTALL A NEW VALVE COVER WITH A CRANKCASE PRESSURE SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E033). OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-3535.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ITASCA / ELLIPSE 2006-2007
ITASCA / HORIZON 2006-2007
WINNEBAGO / TOUR 2006-2007
WINNEBAGO / VECTRA 2006-2007
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V390000 Mfr's Report Date : AUG 06, 2007
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 108
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISL CM850 DIESEL ENGINES, THE CONNECTING ROD CONTAINS A MACHINING DEFECT IN THE WRIST PIN BUSHING OF THE ROD THAT COULD CAUSE A SEIZURE OF THE PISTON PIN.
Consequence:
IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THIS CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF THE ROD RUPTURING THE LOCK CAVITY, SPILLING OIL AND DEBRIS ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
WINNEBAGO IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO RECALIBRATE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND ENHANCE THE ENGINE PROTECTION SYSTEM ENABLING IT TO PROVIDE EARLY DETECTION OF THE FAILURE MODE AND AVOID MORE SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE AND RESULTANT SAFETY HAZARD. CUMMINS WILL ALSO INSTALL A NEW VALVE COVER WITH A CRANKCASE PRESSURE SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E033). OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-3535.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
EXTREME / TRAILER 2007
Manufacturer : EXTREME ENGINEERING INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V170000 Mfr's Report Date : MAR 26, 2007
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 411
Summary:
ON CERTAIN BOAT TRAILERS, THE CASTINGS HOLDING THE BOLTS ON THE HITCH ASSEMBLY FOR THE SWING-AWAY TONGUE MAY BREAK.
Consequence:
THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRAILER COUPLER TO DETACH FROM THE TRAILER WHICH COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN UPGRADED 'STAINLESS STEEL 4 PLATE ENHANCEMENT ASSEMBLY' FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EXTREME AT 1-800-405-9875.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Check to Request Research. Submit below.
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KAWASAKI / VN900B6F 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900B6FL 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900D6F 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900D6FL 2006
Manufacturer : KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V215000 Mfr's Report Date : MAY 15, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5906
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY STALL UNDER DECELERATION DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
Consequence:
THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE THAT CONTAINS REVISED SETTINGS THAT WILL ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
EXTREME / TRAILER 2007
Manufacturer : EXTREME ENGINEERING INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V170000 Mfr's Report Date : MAR 26, 2007
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 411
Summary:
ON CERTAIN BOAT TRAILERS, THE CASTINGS HOLDING THE BOLTS ON THE HITCH ASSEMBLY FOR THE SWING-AWAY TONGUE MAY BREAK.
Consequence:
THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRAILER COUPLER TO DETACH FROM THE TRAILER WHICH COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN UPGRADED 'STAINLESS STEEL 4 PLATE ENHANCEMENT ASSEMBLY' FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EXTREME AT 1-800-405-9875.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Check to Request Research. Submit below.
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KAWASAKI / VN900B6F 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900B6FL 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900D6F 2006
KAWASAKI / VN900D6FL 2006
Manufacturer : KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 07V215000 Mfr's Report Date : MAY 15, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5906
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY STALL UNDER DECELERATION DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
Consequence:
THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE THAT CONTAINS REVISED SETTINGS THAT WILL ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
WILL THESE MISTAKES EVER END?
RV Business
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday (Sept. 4) that it will allow 60,000 families displaced by Hurricane Katrina and now living in FEMA-provided trailers on the Gulf Coast to move into hotel or motel rooms if they are concerned about formaldehyde gas in their trailers, the Washington Post reported.
The policy shift, made two weeks ago but not widely publicized until now, follows a House committee finding in July that FEMA leaders had suppressed warnings about the presence of high levels of potentially cancer-causing formaldehyde, apparently to avoid legal liability.
The announcement brings full circle FEMA’s costly and troubled housing response to the Katrina disaster. The agency hastily ordered $2.7 billion in manufactured housing, mostly through no-bid contracts, only to discover later that FEMA rules prevented the use of a third of the purchases in flood zones, where most victims lived, and that local communities would refuse to host large trailer encampments.
Lacking other options to house those displaced by the storm and flooding, FEMA at the same time spent another $1.8 billion on hotel rooms and cruise-ship cabins. The cost was many times what the agency later paid to rent apartments for the displaced, and government investigators concluded that occurred because of a fundamental lack of emergency planning and advance contracting.
FEMA eventually eliminated the hotel program and moved many storm victims into rental assistance, under pressure from federal courts and housing advocates. Still, about 120,000 families remained in trailers at the program’s peak.
Under the new rule, FEMA will reimburse a household's motel bill for 30 days "or until more appropriate housing is located," and the reimbursement period may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
FEMA spokeswoman Alexandra Kirin called the new rule "more of a short-term solution."
"This is to get someone out of their trailer immediately for health concerns, but ultimately what they need to be looking for is something longer-term," such as rental housing, Kirin said. However, authorities have noted that such housing is scarce along the Gulf Coast.
FEMA said yesterday that, as of Aug. 24, its formaldehyde call centers had received 4,256 calls from those affected by Katrina and 2,875 requests for alternate housing. FEMA has moved 158 families with formaldehyde concerns. Another 316 households refused all housing alternatives.
All those who request to be moved from trailers will get hotel or motel lodging, Kirin said, if they agree to certain terms and conditions — including that they will not be able to return to or purchase their trailer — and acknowledge that FEMA may terminate aid with 14 days’ notice.
FEMA confirmed on Aug. 1 that it had suspended the use and sale of travel trailers for emergency housing while it assesses their safety. The agency said at the time that it would continue to move residents out of temporary accommodations and into long-term housing.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on July 19 released documents showing that FEMA had ignored since early 2006 warnings from its field workers about health problems experienced by storm victims living in trailers. FEMA stopped testing occupied trailers after March 2006, when it initially discovered formaldehyde levels that were as high as 75 times the U.S.-recommended safety threshold for workplaces.
Formaldehyde, a common wood preservative used in construction materials such as particle board, can cause vision and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and higher rates of asthma, bronchitis and allergies in children.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday (Sept. 4) that it will allow 60,000 families displaced by Hurricane Katrina and now living in FEMA-provided trailers on the Gulf Coast to move into hotel or motel rooms if they are concerned about formaldehyde gas in their trailers, the Washington Post reported.
The policy shift, made two weeks ago but not widely publicized until now, follows a House committee finding in July that FEMA leaders had suppressed warnings about the presence of high levels of potentially cancer-causing formaldehyde, apparently to avoid legal liability.
The announcement brings full circle FEMA’s costly and troubled housing response to the Katrina disaster. The agency hastily ordered $2.7 billion in manufactured housing, mostly through no-bid contracts, only to discover later that FEMA rules prevented the use of a third of the purchases in flood zones, where most victims lived, and that local communities would refuse to host large trailer encampments.
Lacking other options to house those displaced by the storm and flooding, FEMA at the same time spent another $1.8 billion on hotel rooms and cruise-ship cabins. The cost was many times what the agency later paid to rent apartments for the displaced, and government investigators concluded that occurred because of a fundamental lack of emergency planning and advance contracting.
FEMA eventually eliminated the hotel program and moved many storm victims into rental assistance, under pressure from federal courts and housing advocates. Still, about 120,000 families remained in trailers at the program’s peak.
Under the new rule, FEMA will reimburse a household's motel bill for 30 days "or until more appropriate housing is located," and the reimbursement period may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
FEMA spokeswoman Alexandra Kirin called the new rule "more of a short-term solution."
"This is to get someone out of their trailer immediately for health concerns, but ultimately what they need to be looking for is something longer-term," such as rental housing, Kirin said. However, authorities have noted that such housing is scarce along the Gulf Coast.
FEMA said yesterday that, as of Aug. 24, its formaldehyde call centers had received 4,256 calls from those affected by Katrina and 2,875 requests for alternate housing. FEMA has moved 158 families with formaldehyde concerns. Another 316 households refused all housing alternatives.
All those who request to be moved from trailers will get hotel or motel lodging, Kirin said, if they agree to certain terms and conditions — including that they will not be able to return to or purchase their trailer — and acknowledge that FEMA may terminate aid with 14 days’ notice.
FEMA confirmed on Aug. 1 that it had suspended the use and sale of travel trailers for emergency housing while it assesses their safety. The agency said at the time that it would continue to move residents out of temporary accommodations and into long-term housing.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on July 19 released documents showing that FEMA had ignored since early 2006 warnings from its field workers about health problems experienced by storm victims living in trailers. FEMA stopped testing occupied trailers after March 2006, when it initially discovered formaldehyde levels that were as high as 75 times the U.S.-recommended safety threshold for workplaces.
Formaldehyde, a common wood preservative used in construction materials such as particle board, can cause vision and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and higher rates of asthma, bronchitis and allergies in children.
