TSA Employees Complain Of Use Of Formaldehyde In New Uniform

January 6, 2009 7:14 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Transportation Security Administration employees are complaining of skin ailments due to the use of formaldehyde on their new blue uniforms.

According to Emily Ryan, spokeswoman of the American Federation of Government Employees, they have received hundreds of complaints from TSA workers such as skin rashes, runny and bloody noses, lightheadedness, red eyes and swollen and cracked lips.

Formaldehyde is a chemical by-product of the permanent finish used by clothing manufacturers to prevent stains and mildew.

However, TSA spokesman Christopher White said the problem is not widespread since only few employees have complained. He added tests done on the uniforms showed the level of formaldehyde or other chemicals are within acceptable range.

Meanwhile, in the latest issue of Healthy Living magazine, Phoenix Sky Harbor International was named most healthy airport in the U.S. The gateway got the top score based on comfortable, low-stress experience it offers to air passengers, while the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recommended the healthy dining options offered by the eateries in the airport.

The PCRM pointed to low-fat food choices such as avocado cucumber sushi and edamame and veggie burgers and burritos as samples.

The other top healthy airports cited by the magazine included Baltimore/Washington International Airport on the second spot and O'Hare International Airport for third place.