New Orleans, LA: A settlement has been reached in the class action brought against the manufacturers of the mobile homes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) used to house victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In their suit the plaintiffs allege they were exposed to harmful formaldehyde fumes when they lived in the trailers. The chemical, commonly found in building materials, can cause breathing problems and is classified as a carcinogen. The Associated Press reports that the mobile home companies involved in the proposed settlement include Cavalier Home Builders, Patriot Homes Inc., CMH Manufacturing and Champion Home Builders.
The settlement is reportedly for $2.6 million and could benefit thousand families in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama.