Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 Chemical Sensitivity User Manual
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 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 minimum 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.
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.
Alarms and Detectors Parts of this section on the combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector is a reprint of the manual included with the device and provided to you in the Airstream owner’s briefcase. Please read, understand, and follow all aspects of the complete manual before activating and operating the Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector. If you have not received the manual, contact your dealership to obtain one, or contact Airstream Customer Relations at 937-596-6111.
NOTE
Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions alert you to important operating instructions or to potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention to these items.
Smoke Alarm
If smoke is detected you will be alerted by 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause, and the detectors LED will flash red as the alarm is sounding. If the alarm does sound exit immediately and call the Fire Department. The Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector will “chirp” once a minute for at least 30 days when the battery is weak. The battery must immediately be replaced with a fresh one.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Airstream Touring Coach Interstate 19 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.airstream.com/owners/manuals/
