Hello:
Last summer we purchased a 2006 Hornet Travel Trailer (36 foot). We use this trailer primarily as a weekend get-a-way and it is parked on our lot next to a lake in central Wisconsin. This is the 2nd summer we have used our trailer. It was winterized and stored by an RV dealer over the past winter. We continue to experience burning eyes and even coughing when we open up our trailer on the weekends or during extended weekly stays. After doing some research I suspect that the problems we are dealing are from the chemical formaldehyde. We have contacted the dealer that sold us the trailer twice regarding the burning eyes and explained that we need to leave trailer open for at least two hours prior to using it. The dealer denied that formaldehyde was used in the assembly of the trailer and that the burning and smell we are experiencing is perhaps from the glue used in the carpeting. They said that this would eventually "go away."
This is the second season with our trailer and we have not noticed that the irritations we have been experiencing are getting any better. We have invited friends and family to stay with us and they develop the same eye burning sensation and notice a strange odor. We have noticed that even after having the trailer open and in use for 24 hours, if we plan a day trip and close it up again, when we return, we need to start the whole airing-out process over. We open the vents, turn on the air conditioning and open the windows. This does help but does not solve or eliminate the chemical presence that continues to linger in our trailer. I am getting to the point where I am concerned for my families over-all long term health and well being.
Sincerely,
Leonita Loomans
225 Ryan Court
West Bend, WI 53095
daloomans@charter.net
262-813-9123
About ToxicTrailers.com
ToxicTrailers.com is dedicated to providing information about formaldehyde poisoning, and advocating effective government regulations. The government spent more than $2 billion on FEMA trailers with hazardous levels of formaldehyde, and now has dumped more than 103,000 former FEMA trailers known to be toxic on the market. If you are living in a former FEMA trailer and want a free test for formaldehyde, e-mail nicholas.shapiro@anthro.ox.ac.uk.
The FEMA trailer tragedy exposed what is a widespread problem in RVs, mobile homes, modular buildings and even conventional buildings. If you are having burning eyes, congestion, sore throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, frequent sinus infections or rashes, and difficulties concentrating, you may have a formaldehyde problem. For questions or to share your story, write 4becky@cox.net.
To make a complaint about former FEMA travel trailers being advertised or rented as permanent housing in violation of the sales contract, e-mail david.robbins@gsa.gov.
Plywood made with Soyad, soy-based alternative too formaldehyde glue, is available at Home Depot at no extra cost. For a eco friendly travel trailer built with materials that don't outgas formaldehyde, see http://www.goevergreenrv.com/.
