Washington, D.C., Oct 24 - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack announced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Paulison is following through on his commitment, and has agreed to offer re-testing of FEMA supplied mobile homes.  Earlier in the week when it was brought to Congressman Loebsack’s attention that some FEMA mobile homes may currently contain unsafe levels of Formaldehyde, the Congressman immediately reached out to Iowa State FEMA Director Bill Vogel and National FEMA Administrator David Paulison.  During the Congressman’s conversation with Mr. Paulison, he received assurances retesting would be conducted, but only today was this commitment reaffirmed.

“The safety and well-being of Iowans displaced by the floods is my priority in this matter,” said Congressman Loebsack.  “The health of displaced families must not be jeopardized; this is why I am taking seriously the findings of these independent tests.  We must re-test these mobile homes as soon as possible to get to the bottom of this situation.  Only then will we be able to determine if a health threat exists, and if additional steps are necessary to provide a safe living environment for these disaster victims.”

“FEMA's number one concern is the health and saftey of occupants,” noted FEMA Administrator David Paulison.  “We will work with the scientists at the Center for Disease Control to use an approved method and protocol to test.  I told Congressman Loebsack that I had committed to testing and I am committed to putting the safety of Iowa's flood victims first.”

Since receiving the results of the independent study on the levels of formaldehyde in some FEMA provided mobile homes, Congressman Loebsack has been working closely with FEMA, the Centers for Disease Control, Governor Culver’s office, and a health care expert at the University of Iowa on the matter.  Congressman Loebsack is continuing these conversations in order to urge immediate action to ensure the health and safety of Iowans who were displaced by the floods and living in these temporary homes.

“I have been monitoring the situation closely, and speaking with the necessary people on this matter,” said Congressman Loebsack.  “I am pleased these efforts have resulted in FEMA’s decision to re-test its mobile homes and ease the worries of families who have already suffered so much.”

The mobile homes in question have been provided by FEMA as temporary housing to eligible disaster victims when they are either unable to quickly return to their homes, or are unable to quickly secure permanent housing.  FEMA tests all temporary housing units for formaldehyde before deploying them, and at the time of deployment the mobile homes in question were reported to meet all requirements.

Any resident with questions or concerns about the safety of their temporary housing can contact FEMA at 866-274-4392 during regular business hours from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to Noon.  During non-business hours, residents can contact FEMA’s 24 hour housing maintenance line at 866-640-4489. Residents can also contact Congressman Loebsack’s office toll free at 866.914.IOWA.