WASHINGTON, Jan 6, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Hundreds of federal security
officers at U.S. airports say they're being sickened by formaldehyde in their
new blue uniforms, their union said.
The new uniforms are causing rashes, runny and bloody noses, itchy eyes,
dizziness and swollen and cracked lips, said the American Federation of
Government Employees, the union which represents the Transportation Security
Administration officers.
Union officials say the culprit is the formaldehyde used in permanent-press
finish to prevent mildew and stains, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.
TSA officials said only a few officers have complained of minor irritations and
that tests have confirmed the formaldehyde level is within acceptable government
standards, the Post reported.
VF Solutions, the manufacturer, said it has produced 70 million shirts with the
same fabric and received no previous complaints.
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