Chapter 11: Chemical Sensitivity; Ventilation
CHAPTER 11: CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY;
VENTILATION
Chemical Sensitivity
After you first purchase your new recreational vehicle and sometimes after it has been closed up for an extended period of time you may notice a strong odor and chemical sensitivity. This is not a defect in your recreational vehicle. Like your home, there are many different products used in the construction of recreational vehicles such as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery, etc. However, recreational vehicles are much smaller than your home and therefore the exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is significantly less than a home. These products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures and/or humidity, may “off-gas” different chemicals, including formaldehyde. This off- gassing, in combination with the minimal air exchange, may cause you to experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and sometimes headache, nausea, and a variety of asthma-like symptoms. Elderly persons and young children, as well as anyone with a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems, may be more susceptible to the effects of off- gassing.
Formaldehyde
Most of the attention regarding chemical off-gassing surrounds formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance. It is also a key industrial chemical used in the manufacture of the numerous consumer products which we referred to above and used in the construction of recreational vehicles. Trace levels of formaldehyde are also released from smoking, cooking, use of soaps and detergents such as carpet shampoos, cosmetics, and many other household products. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde while others may not have any reaction to the same levels of formaldehyde. Amounts released decrease over time.
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing it is of utmost importance that you ventilate your recreational vehicle. Ventilation should occur frequently after purchase and at times when the temperatures and humidity are elevated. Remember off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity. Open windows, exhaust vents, and doors. Operate ceiling and/ or other fans, roof air conditioners, and furnaces and use a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air in. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the formaldehyde level in the indoor air. Please also follow the recommendations contained in Chapter 2 regarding tips to avoid condensation problems. Many of the recommendations conntained in Chapter 2 will assist in avoiding exposure to chemicals that off-gas.
Do Not Smoke
Finally, we recommend that you do not smoke inside your recreational vehicle. In addition to causing damage to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
Medical Advice
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of formaldehyde, please consult your doctor or local health department.
