Chemical Sensitivity And Ventilation; Chemical Sensitivity And Ventilation; Chemical Sensitivity; Formaldehyde - Airstream 2023 INTERSTATE 24X Owner's Manual

Chemical Sensitivity and Ventilation

Chemical Sensitivity

Immediately after the purchase of your new
recreational vehicle and sometimes after it has been
closed up for an extended period of time, you may
notice a strong odor and/or experience a chemical
sensitivity� This is not a defect in your recreational
vehicle� Like your home, there are many different
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 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 the minimal air exchange, may
cause you to experience irritation of the eyes, nose,
and throat, as well as 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

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance and
is an important chemical used widely by industries
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 touring coach�
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, such
as carpet shampoos and 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 Airstream Touring Coach was manufactured
using low formaldehyde-emitting (LFE) wood products,
the use of which is typical in the recreation vehicle
industry� Formaldehyde has an important role in
the adhesives used to bind wood products used in
recreation vehicles� The wood products in your coach
are designed to emit formaldehyde at or lower than
industry guidelines and should not produce symptoms
in most individuals�
2023 Interstate 24X
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 symptoms to occur when the touring coach is
not properly ventilated� Ventilation is an essential
requirement for touring coach 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�
Airstream strongly suggests you take measures to
properly ventilate your touring coach on a regular
basis� If you have any questions with respect to proper
ventilation of your touring coach, please do not hesitate
to contact your dealer or Airstream�

Ventilation

To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from
off-gassing, it is of the utmost importance that you
ventilate your recreational vehicle� 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 AC, and use a fan to force stale
air out and bring fresh air in. Decreasing the flow of
air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the
formaldehyde level in the vehicle's indoor air�

Do Not Smoke

It is recommended you do not smoke inside your
recreational vehicle� In addition to causing damage
to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke releases
formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals�

Medical Advice

Questions regarding the effects of formaldehyde on
your health should be submitted to your doctor or local
health department�
Safety
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