Study led by NC congressman says FEMA ignored toxic findings

WASHINGTON (AP) — An investigation by congressional Democrats is critical of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

It says FEMA manipulated scientific research in order to play down the danger posed by formaldehyde in trailers issued to hurricane victims.

North Carolina Congressman Brad Miller led the investigation, which was released today.

Democrats on a House Science and Technology subcommittee wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff about the results of the investigation involving victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita now living in FEMA trailers.

They said FEMA “ignored, hid and manipulated government research on the potential impact of long-term exposure to formaldehyde” on the victims.

FEMA is part of the Homeland Security Department.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)