FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL
IDENTIFICATION AND SAFETY
23
CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY
After you first purchase your new motor home 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 motor
home. Like your home, there are many different products used in the construction of motor homes 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, motor homes are
much smaller than your home and therefore the exchange of air inside a motor home 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 motor homes. 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
motor home. 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 motor home increases
the formaldehyde level in the indoor air. Please also follow the recommendations contained in “Care AND
Maintenance” section regarding tips to avoid condensation problems.
Note:
We recommend that you do not smoke inside your motor home. In addition to
causing damage to your motor home, tobacco smoke releases formaldehyde and
other toxic chemicals.
Note:
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of
formaldehyde, please consult your doctor or local health department.
Note:
Chemical off-gassing is not a defect in your motor home and is not covered by the
Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendation in this section to address this
concern.
SEAT BELTS
Do not occupy beds or any other seats that are not equipped with safety seat
belts while the motor home is in motion. Do not use a seat belt on more than
one person.
Pilot and co-pilot seats must be locked in a forward facing position with seat belts fastened while the motor
home is in motion. Avoid seat rotation while in transit.
