Are Formaldehyde Exposure Risks Lurking in Your RV, Mobile Home or Travel Trailer?

According to some estimates, almost 9 million households in the United States own a recreational vehicle (RV). These RVs include motorized units and all sorts of travel trailers. With summer vacation in full swing and countless people traveling across the country in RVs, a recent broadcast by Missouri’s KY3 has caught the attention of many travelers.

The station’s investigative report looked at the case of a couple that had health complaints after spending time in their RV. The couple noticed that the wife was having frequent asthma issues after they used the travel trailer. They hired an environmental firm to test its indoor air quality (IAQ) and were surprised to learn that it had elevated levels of formaldehyde.

Many composite wood products used in the production of RVs contain formaldehyde. The chemical is also found in some types of insulation, carpeting, furniture and cleaners. As a volatile organic compound (VOC), formaldehyde can off-gas from these materials into the air. Exposure to formaldehyde is known to cause cancer and exposure to elevated levels can make people feel sick. Symptoms such as sore throat, cough, scratchy eyes and nosebleeds can occur. Some people are also more sensitive to exposure than others, so an exposure that causes no problems for some can make others sick or uncomfortable.

“Following Hurricane Katrina, when large numbers of displaced people were temporarily housed by FEMA in RVs and mobile homes, concerns over exposure to formaldehyde off-gassing from building materials, furnishings and fabrics in these temporary homes gained national attention,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In response, FEMA and other government agencies released a flyer entitled What You Should Know about Formaldehyde in Mobile Homes.”

Working to identify exposure risks to chemical concerns is EMSL Analytical, Inc. The laboratory specialists offer air testing services and sampling supplies to detect formaldehyde levels for those who live permanently or temporarily in mobile homes, recreational vehicles or travel trailers. EMSL also provides clients with material testing services to evaluate product off-gassing and impacts to indoor air quality. They have even sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde exposure risks in RVs, mobile homes and travel trailers that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/MKjzP6WoofE.  

To learn more about formaldehyde or other material, occupational, environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail