NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A new study will investigate whether children who spent at least two months in FEMA trailers after the hurricanes of 2005 have more skin or breathing problems than those who didn't.
Project manager Diane Wagener says RTI International of North Carolina will also study children whose mothers were pregnant with them while living in a trailer provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Studies after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita found potentially harmful levels of chemicals including formaldehyde.
The researchers hope to sign up 500 families in Louisiana and Mississippi — 250 in each group. After two years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether RTI can expand the study into Texas and Alabama and add another 1,000 children.
Each child would be followed for six years.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Project manager Diane Wagener says RTI International of North Carolina will also study children whose mothers were pregnant with them while living in a trailer provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Studies after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita found potentially harmful levels of chemicals including formaldehyde.
The researchers hope to sign up 500 families in Louisiana and Mississippi — 250 in each group. After two years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether RTI can expand the study into Texas and Alabama and add another 1,000 children.
Each child would be followed for six years.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
