First trial over whether FEMA trailer fumes sickened Katrina, Rita victims opens in La.

First trial over FEMA trailer fumes opens in La.

NEW ORLEANS — A jury has been picked in New Orleans for the first trial over whether victims of hurricanes Rita and Katrina were exposed to potentially dangerous fumes while living in government-issued trailers.

Five men and four women were picked Monday to hear the lawsuit against trailer maker Gulf Stream Coach Inc. The lawsuit was filed by New Orleans resident Alana Alexander and her son, Christopher Cooper.

However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency won’t be on trial.

Judge Kurt Engelhardt ruled last month that a two-year statute of limitations bars Cooper’s claims against the government. Lawyers say they plan to appeal that ruling.

Hundreds of residents claim FEMA trailers exposed residents to high levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen that can cause breathing problems.