Formaldehyde risk found in trailers other than those used after Hurricane Katrina

Used mobile home from the 1990's might mean doing some research before buying

"I live here in the winter months and have decided to spend the rest of the year traveling around the country.  My husband and I are going to buy a trailer and hit the road."  The retired couple at the swimming pool are among the many who seek these options of wintering in warm climate and traveling around the country the rest of the year. But if you are one of those who seek that option, or seek the choice of living in a mobile home full time, you might want to examine some of the risks and do your research on any purchase.

Experts points out there are sufficient risks in purchasing a trailer or mobile home, sufficient for people to ask questions and find out about a particular recreational vehicle or trailer before purchasing.

New Orleans folks have experienced the problems of trailer formaldehyde, but it turns out those who take to the trail, quite independently of storms, may have problems as well. The problem of high levels of formaldehyde have been found in trailers of ordinary folk doing ordinary things, like taking to the road for vacation or a retirement sojourn.

Formaldehyde at some level is found in many places, because it is a chemical used widely in the building industry and is also a by-product of certain natural processes as well. It can be found in substantial concentrations indoors and outdoors, for that reason. It is when those concentrations exceed certain levels, that problems occur, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Particle board used in furniture and cabinets is a major source of formaldehyde in the home.

The National Cancer Institute is concerned about increased cancer risk and the use of formaldehyde, Short term health effects of formaldehyde in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some cause health effects for some people that include burning sensations of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation. It has also been learned that some individuals are particularly sensitive to formaldehyde, while others are not. Those who work in the industries with higher concentrations of it, or who are otherwise exposed to significantly high levels of formaldehyde, having an increased risk of cancer of the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems, according to data published this year in a follow up study.

To reduce the risk of increased level s of formaldehyde, cancer experts maintain folks should inquire about the formaldehyde content of pressed wood products, ensure adequate ventilation in homes and keep moderate temperatures and reduced humidity levels through the use of air conditioning and dehumidifiers. Risks can be reduced by taking special precautions. It's especially necessary for those individuals who have been found to be environmentally sensitive. So experts maintain asking the right questions in advance can be helpful in protecting oneself from the risk of high levels of formaldehyde where they are unsafe.

Most mobile homes are safe as they must comply with environmental regulations when built.  Older homes, however, might require evaluation.  The Environmental Protection Agency offers a report and guide on the manufacture and sale of mobile homes and the environmental standards with which they must comply as well as some of the history of the mobile home industry.

In the meantime, the recreational vehicle and mobile home industry now faces the challenge of examining formaldehyde with increasing complaints as the issues of whether Mom and Dad can hit the road as planned in their later years will be something they need to review by making a decision to buy a mobile home.