Ironically, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency was one such facility affected and abandoned because for just such a reason.
Sealed office or home areas result in unhealthy build-ups of chemical vapors including formaldehyde, bacteria, and foul odor. Burning eyes, nausea, lethargy, grogginess, headaches, coughing, and chest tightness or congestion are just some of the symptoms reported.
One component of this sick building syndrome results from formaldehyde in the furnishings. Carpet, pads, draperies, particle board, laminated furnishings, paneling, and insulation are potentially guilty of emitting carcinogenic formaldehyde, and need to be replaced. Also, make certain cleaning compounds do not contain formaldehyde. OSHA does not regulate sick buildings, but it does investigate complaints and invoke the General Duty Clause:
"Each employer shall furnish to each of his (sic) employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."
So while house members–including House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, State Rep. Juan LaFonta, New Orleans and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi –are still touring the South to view Katrina damages, keep in mind that formaldehyde is not exclusive to FEMA trailers; indeed it can be found in your own home, especially if it is new, and tight (as opposed to old and drafty.)
Do you have a formaldehyde horror story? If you do, let me know here on my formaldehyde contact page. Free Case Evaluation
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