4
coatings and cosmetics. However, trailers are much smaller than your home; so, the change of air
inside a trailer is significantly less than in 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 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 and is an important chemical used widely by industry to
manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of
combustion and certain other natural processes. Thus, it may be present inside the trailer with
some individuals being sensitive to it. Ventilation of the unit normally reduces the exposure to a
comfortable level.
Trace levels of formaldehyde are released from smoking, cooking, use of soaps and detergents,
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.
Your ALTO trailer was manufactured using low formaldehyde emitting (LFE) wood products, which
is the typical usage in the RV industry. Formaldehyde has an important role in the adhesives used
to bind wood products used in recreation vehicles. The wood products in your trailer are designed
to emit formaldehyde at, or lower than industry guidelines and should not produce symptoms in
most individuals.
While LFE wood products typically do not emit formaldehyde at a level that would cause
symptoms in most individuals, it is possible, though not likely, for that to occur when the trailer
is not properly ventilated. Ventilation is an essential requirement for trailer use, for many reasons.
Any effects of formaldehyde can be greatly reduced by actions such as opening windows, opening
roof vents, running the air conditioner, or some combination thereof. In addition, the emission of
formaldehyde by these products naturally decreases rapidly over time.
Safari Condo strongly suggests that you take measures to properly ventilate your trailer on a
regular basis. If you have any questions with respect to proper ventilation of your trailer, please
do not hesitate to contact your dealer or Safari Condo.
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing it is of utmost importance that you
ventilate your trailer. Ventilation should occur frequently after purchase and at times when the
temperatures and humidity are high. Remember off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity.
Open windows, exhaust vents, and doors.
Operate ceiling and/or other fans, 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 trailer increases the
formaldehyde level inside. Please also follow the recommendations and tips to avoid
To Next Page
Loading...