Chemical Sensitivity; Formaldehyde; Ventilation - Thor Motor Coach 2009 Mandalay Owner's Manual

IDENTIFICATION & SAFETY

CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY

After you first purchase your new motorhome 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 motorhome. Like your home, there are many different products used in the
construction of motorhomes 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, motorhomes are much smaller than your
home and therefore the exchange of air inside a motorhome 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
motorhomes. 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 motorhome. 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 motorhome increases the formaldehyde level in the indoor air.
Please also follow the recommendations contained in "Care & Maintenance" section regarding
tips to avoid condensation problems.
NOTE: We recommend that you do not smoke inside your motorhome. In addition to causing
damage to your motorhome, 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 motorhome and is not covered by the
Mandalay Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendation in this section to address this
concern.
MANDALAY
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