TSA agents say uniforms making them sick

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- 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.