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Chapter :  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.