THOR Class C Series - Chemical Sensitivity; Formaldehyde; Ventilation

SAFETY AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
33THOR MOTOR COACH | MADE TO FIT
2
Aer you rst purchase your new motorhome and sometimes aer it has been closed up for
an extended period of time you may notice a strong odor and chemical sensitivity. is is not
a defect in your motorhome. Like your home, there are many dierent products used in the
construction of recreational vehicles such as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery,
etc. Formaldehyde is also the by-product of combustion and numerous household products,
such as some paints, coatings, and cosmetics. However, recreational vehicles are much smaller
than your home and therefore the exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is signicantly
less than a home. ese products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures and/
or humidity, may “o-gas” dierent chemicals, including formaldehyde. is o-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 eects of o-gassing.
Formaldehyde
Most of the attention regarding chemical o-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 o-gassing it is of utmost importance that you
ventilate your motorhome. Ventilation should occur frequently aer purchase and at times
when the temperatures and humidity are elevated. Remember o-gassing is accelerated by
heat and humidity. Open windows, exhaust vents, and doors. Operate ceiling and/or other
fans, roof air conditioners, and furnaces. Use a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air in.
Decreasing the ow of air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the formaldehyde level
in the indoor air. Please also follow the recommendations contained in this section regarding
tips to avoid condensation problems. Many of the recommendations contained here will assist
in avoiding exposure to chemicals that o-gas.
NOTE: Chemical off-gassing is not a
"defect" in your motorhome and is not
covered by the Thor Motor Coach Limited
Product Warranty or the Thor Motor Coach
Structural Limited Warranty. Please follow
the recommendations in this section to
address this concern.