| If you are wondering what causes new RVs to smell, | | | | product with a different set of specs which means |
| you're among the many thousands of people who | | | | that not all RVs emit the same amount of toxic |
| purchase a new or preowned recreation vehicle and | | | | odors as others. There are also ways to reduce new |
| notice a potent odor that typically permeates newer | | | | rv odors to at least a more tolerable level unless the |
| RVs. The concern with chemical-free environments | | | | user is already very sensitive to the chemical laced |
| has spurred more and more interest in safer living in | | | | building materials. The most common areas in an RV |
| RVs and homes. The short answer to what causes | | | | that emits chemical odors are the cabinets in both |
| RVs to smell is that the building materials used in the | | | | the kitchen and bath areas, carpet, fabric covered |
| typical recreation vehicle is generally laden with | | | | furniture, and vinyl coated walls. |
| formaldehyde, petroleum based products and other | | | | General materials such as particle board which is used |
| toxic chemicals. | | | | frequently in travel units for subflooring, walls, |
| While there has been some regulation for the | | | | cabinets, ceilings and other areas, have a high |
| amounts of formaldehyde and other chemicals that | | | | concentration of formaldehyde in the product. Particle |
| can be used in building materials, anyone who walks | | | | board is simply chips of wood that has been formed |
| into a brand new unit is aware of a very potent smell | | | | in board slabs by applying glue for cohesion of the |
| that can make eyes water and throats to become | | | | chips. It continually gases off and can be smelled for |
| hoarse. Other common reactions can be coughing, | | | | a long time even after a trailer is a bit older. |
| wheezing, dizziness, and weakness. Manufacturers are | | | | There are many other areas in a unit that can cause |
| not required to offer a health disclaimer on new RVs | | | | odors such as interior walls and ceilings, depending on |
| that are for sale since they abide by federal building | | | | the materials that the manufacturer used to build the |
| regulations and state codes. Of course, this does not | | | | product. If you are concerned about what causes |
| guarantee that a person will not be harmed or | | | | new RVs to smell, there are several online sources |
| experience short or long term health reactions to the | | | | that provide more info about health issues associated |
| building materials. | | | | with general building materials. |
| Each manufacturer of recreational vehicles builds their | | | | |