Formaldehyde presents special problems for Katrina's children

Speaking of housing and health woes in the Gulf, an Associated Press report documents the serious health problems facing children whose families moved into Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers after the disaster. Many of the young trailer dwellers are suffering from respiratory problems that have been linked to formaldehyde, which has been detected in many of the units at dangerous levels.

The AP points out that the federal studies conducted so far into the health problems of children who lived in the contaminated trailers have drawn criticism for their design, limited scope and failure to do anything to actually alleviate suffering. Dr. Shama Shakir, a pediatrician in Bay St. Louis, Miss., said that before the storm she prescribed nebulizers -- devices that turn medicine into mist for inhaling -- about twice weekly. She's now doing so about a dozen times a week:

"You give them the most potent steroids, the most potent antibiotics, and still they have the symptoms," Shakir said. "I worry about what will become of these children long-term."

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) has introduced legislation mandating health exams for trailer residents who believe they were sickened by formaldehyde. That measure is expected to cost the government far more than a similar $108 million bill for those who worked in the rubble of the World Trade Center after 9/11. However, it would be less expensive than class-action lawsuits -- one of which has already been filed.