Senator David Vitter is standing in the way of Obama’s nomination of Paul Anastas to be initiated into the EPA’s office of Research and Development. Anastas’ specialty rests in researching the design of safer chemicals and chemical processes to replace hazardous substances. The formaldehyde industry is placed under extreme risk with his nomination.
Senator David Vitter’s position on this issue raises several questions as to his connection with the formaldehyde industry. Formaldehyde is found in several building products, such as plywood, fiberboard, and adhesives. In slowing the process of instating Anastas, Vitter is putting off research done on formaldehyde, which has been announced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to be a probable carcinogen.
Vitter’s intentions are heavily weighted by the financial campaign support he was granted by the most significant polluters in Louisiana’s formaldehyde polluters.
After Hurricane Katrina, many victims were sheltered in portable buildings wrecked with formaldehyde. Vitter is ultimately standing in the way of saving lives, and preventing illness in many people across the country.
Title: Sen. David Vitter (R-Formaldehyde)
Publication:Â Mother Jones, November 12, 2009
Author: Andy Kroll
Student Researcher: Lauren Faulkner
Faculty Evaluator:Â Peter Phillips
Sonoma State University