| RV toxicity is a real problem that many people are | | | | renovate an older one. There are a few |
| not typically aware of until they purchase a new RV. | | | | manufacturers that will customize campers, but you |
| In fact, not only many new recreational vehicles have | | | | will have to take a hands on approach and use a |
| toxicity problems, but older units can as well. What is | | | | watchful eye during the process to ensure that there |
| the root cause of toxicity in RVs? In a nutshell, many | | | | are no materials used that are beyond the toxic level |
| of the building materials used to manufacture | | | | that you prefer. A custom RV will be cost prohibitive |
| recreational vehicles are laden with chemical residue | | | | for some. |
| that slowly out gasses over time. That is why when | | | | In that case, it is possible to renovate an older |
| many people enter new units they notice a pungent | | | | camper, but you will also need to use a hands on |
| odor that irritates their eyes and throat. Even though | | | | approach in spelling out the types of materials you |
| there are Federal regulations that supposedly | | | | prefer and what you want removed or replaced. |
| restrains the problem of RV toxicity, these | | | | Again, a watchful eye is also needed to ensure that |
| regulations only offer a minimum requirement on the | | | | you actually get only the material you want placed in |
| use of many types of materials. | | | | the unit. |
| What are the biggest chemical offenders? | | | | Another option is to simply seal the interior of the |
| The most often used chemicals in building materials | | | | RV as well as possible to inhibit chemical fumes from |
| are formaldehyde and petrochemicals, although there | | | | gassing off too much while you camp. A few |
| are many more than can be found. These by far are | | | | companies such as the AIM Company offers |
| the most toxic to many people and have caused | | | | products such as Safe Seal that can seal new carpet |
| serious reactions such as respiratory problems, | | | | fumes, walls, wood, plastic and other problem areas. |
| dizziness and general body weakness. Some people | | | | Some people have seen good results but it is |
| have suffered permanent health damage because | | | | certainly not as totally safe as renovating or |
| they breathed the fumes from the interior of a | | | | customizing a new camper. |
| camper. Formaldehyde is found in the most common | | | | If you are concerned with the use of problem |
| places such as particle board and plywood in cabinets, | | | | chemicals in RVs, be sure to ask plenty of questions |
| flooring, walls, ceilings and in fabric. Petroleum based | | | | before purchasing. Also, it is good visit a factory |
| chemicals can be found in vinyl trim, floors, wall | | | | manufactured camper when it is a very hot day |
| coverings, and bathrooms. | | | | outside since degassing inside the camper occurs at a |
| How can I avoid RV toxicity?Frankly, in order to | | | | faster rate than when it is cold. This will give you a |
| avoid toxic materials in most campers, you will either | | | | good idea of the RV toxicity odor in any particular |
| have to purchase a custom made RV or attempt to | | | | unit. |