RVs in the News
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Friday, May 18, 2007

RV Concern: FEMA, Formaldahyde and Katrina Trailers

If you missed the CBS News segment on high levels of formaldehyde in RV trailers built for Katrina evacuees, you shouldn't miss the transcript. It's an eye-opening, and slightly frightening look into what may be causing illness among those who took shelter from the storm in some of the trailers provided by the RV industry.


The quick once-over says this: Many of the "Plain Jane" trailers provided by FEMA tested for high levels of formaldehyde gas. FEMA itself warned its own employees that when inspecting trailers prior to occupancy they should consider opening the windows and turning on the air conditioning for their own safety. The problem? Formaldehyde could cause cancer.

If a FEMA employee should be concerned about formaldehyde gas during an eight-hour shift, what about folks living in them, 24/7? FEMA never warned residents about the potential dangers, and when asked, at least one manufacturer simply said, "For the FEMA trailers it used components and materials that met or exceeded industry standards." The problem there is that there is no industry standard for formaldehyde off-gassing.

One RV industry employee says he feels the problem came when masses of trailers had to be produced in a hurry, and his company (he feels) got inferior materials for construction. The question for all of us could be: What levels of formaldehyde are present in regular production line RV models? Have you ever had your RV tested? Please leave a comment if you have.

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posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris at 5/18/2007 10:39:00 AM

36 Comments:

  • My wife is currently complaining about eye irritation and headache which she attributes to our new trailer. How does one go about getting an air test done?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:17 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • My wife is currently complaining about eye irritation and headache which she attributes to our new trailer. How does one go about getting an air test done?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:18 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • Tested.....That's a good question. Better question.
    "Where would one go to have it done"?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:34 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • An additional comment about self-contained toilets/porta-potties, and the like... Some of the chemicals used in them also contain formaldehyde. I and my dog were almost overcome when some liquid spilled in a storage area in my RV.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:49 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • Additionally, some of the chemicals used in self-contained toilets contain formaldehyde. My dog and I were ALMOST overcome when some spilled in a storage area in my RV AND also earlier in my boat...Beware!!!

    By Blogger writersweb, at 4:55 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • How do I get my trailer tested?

    Thanks Cindi Arcuragi

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:59 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • I don't know about other RV purchasers, but when we bought our Jayco Eagle 5th wheel back in 2003, there was a very visible sticker on the wall just inside the door. On it was a warning about the possibilities of formaldahyde gases. It suggested that the door & windows be open as much as possible during the first month or so of use. We have never had any problem at all. I believe our manual also gave the same information. It pays to read the manuals & really take a good look around your RV interior.
    Norma & Doug Orr

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:21 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • When we purchased our Jayco Eagle 5th wheel in 2003, there was a very visible sticker just inside the door, warning of the possibilities of formaldahyde gases. There was also mention of it in the manual. It suggested that the windows & door be open as much as possible in the beginning, to help clear the gases, which may possibly arise from some of the materials used in the manufacture of the unit.

    By Blogger blue eagle, at 6:31 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • Yes, I can remember about 12 or 15 years ago, I was spending a few days in Oceanside, CA, and a couple came in with a brand new fairly expenisive diesel pusher. We got to talking, and he had told me that was his second one. He said the first one had such strong emanations from the Formaldehyde, that they couldn't live in it. He tried to get the dealer and manufacturer to do something about it, and they couldn't resolve the problem, and if I remember right, he had to take them to court, and the court made the dealer give him a new one, that was liveable....So apparently the problem is well known, has been around for a while, yet no one wants to address it or fix it..

    By Anonymous Bob, at 7:28 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • We have been shopping for an RV for a some time now, and cannot find any that are advertised as "Healthy", or "Green". We have built three homes over the years, using as many green, or healthy building materials as possible. We eat organic, exercise daily, and all around live as healthy as possible. We have been in quite a few brand new trailers and motorhomes that actually make our eyes burn and water from the unhealthy air inside due to outgasing of construction components.
    I am now to the point of considering building my own RV. When you consider tha you spend so much time inside (at least 8 hrs a night) breathing the fumes, it makes sense to want it healthy. I did not spend all these years living healthy so I could enjoy my golden years, just to get sick while trying to live out our dream of traveling! I wonder why the RV industry has not responded and built a green RV as yet, or maybe I have just not found it. If anyone knows of any out there, please respond.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:30 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • About a year ago, when shopping for a TT in 100 d heat, we entered new trailers that had been closed up without any air movement. The inside atmosphere was over-powering. Our eyes watered and it was difficult to breathe. We noticed that all the sales reps stayed outside.
    Jay Edwards Lake Havasu City AZ

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:41 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • I'm sensitive to fragances/chemicals and asked the salesperson at the Pleasanton, California show a few months back if he knew of any RV/rigs that could be specially outfitted with real wood components, which, of course, he didn't. Just touring the RVs I was interested in with the door open began to trigger the itches for me. Does anyone have any experience in outfitting a unit from bare frame on up? Thanks

    By Anonymous Alberta, at 7:53 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • Yes... the gases can be dangerous and are found not only in RV but also in mobile homes. What I'd like to say here is that yes, it's a serious issue and those that are purchasing RV's should consider this... however what is more important to me is that our nations government and FEMA were part of putting people already displaced from Katrina in a hazardous situation without even telling them about it or giving warning to the ones living in those FEMA trailers 24/7 when they warned the FEMA workers.

    It's one thing to be exposed in an RV that you purchase for camping several times a year or that you're going to be vacationing in a week or two out of the year... when for you it's a recreational vehicle... but it's an all together different situation when it's the only home you have and it's been given to you because you are homeless and those giving it to you know that what is inside of it can cause you harm and don't even bother to tell you about it.

    I wonder how many of the people that now know this are going to step up to the plate and demand accountability from FEMA for having down this to the victims of Katrina??

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:13 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • We became aware of this problem when we bought our first RV in 1995. What we finally did was to take a test kit that we used in our funeral home to test the presence of formaldehyde
    gas in the preparations room. Took the test for an additional 24 hours in the locked up rv in 90 degrees temps. The test proved that we were not in danger.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:31 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • 'Alberta', a few years ago I bought one of those mini RV's that were often built using Toyota pickup frames to mount the house on. When I got it home and did a thorough inspection I found it completely riddled with dryrot. After taking some measurements and removing the fridge and whatnots I completely destroyed the house and rebuilt it using real wood frames, some cedar in the interior, and using 'glue and screws' instead of those rediculous staples the industry uses. It came out fine and smells heavenly inside. I realize that not everyone can do what I did but the industry could certainly go GREEN without it adding that much to their final cost for materials.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:37 AM, May 26, 2007  

  • People are so ready to blame someone for things that common sense would take care of. Trailers, 5th wheels and motor homes, have stickers warning to open the windows and let air out for first month. People should do this instead of blaming someone else or expecting them to come and open the windows for them. That is what is wrong with this country, no one takes responsiblity for anything these days..
    These people should be able to read or do something on their own instead of expecting everything done for them!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:25 PM, May 26, 2007  

  • We found that New Horizons, a company in Junction City, Kansas builds a fifth wheel or trailer without the usual levels of formaldehyde. We recently purchased a 10 year old unit from them, and toured many of the new units without any of the tearing or eye burning we experienced in other units. The company builds custom order units, but used ones are available from the company. I would highly recommend anyone with formaldehyde issues check them out.

    By Blogger kilgorechi, at 2:45 PM, May 26, 2007  

  • Hate to tell you folks but mnay products used in regular home construction also contain formaldehyde, paneling, plywood, carpet and the list goes on. So don't just blame the RV industry.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:46 PM, May 26, 2007  

  • I agree with an earlier comment. When will we take some responsibility for ourselves. Not necessarily just for this subject, but for life itself.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:51 PM, May 26, 2007  

  • I used to work for a major mobile home manufacturer and in the construction industry. This is NOT a problem unique to mobile homes. The reason it is MORE of a problem in mobile homes is because they are so airtight. Stick built homes "breathe" and the gas escapes. Mobile home manufacturers post signs inside homes to tell consumers this and it's NOT a new thing.

    People who rennovate their own RV's should pay attention as well. Formaldyhyde is a common component of plywood and particle board and many carpets and glue. Open your windows and follow manufacturer's directions in the booklet that comes with every new home/trailer and you'll be fine. As one reader said - use common sense.

    As far as the article - I think it was written in such a way as to scare readers into reading it rather than the matter of fact way it should have been done to educate instead. You're promoting the whole "Somebody should take care of me or I'll sue them" mentality rather than providing an RV service. Guess you need the clicks and revenues more than you have a desire to keep us "stupid" RV'ers informed.

    Please don't recycle old news into new and frightening news. And why didn't you explain that ALL homes "offgas" from construction and that over time 6 months or so, it dissapates to safe levels. Be a responsible journalist not a fear monger.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:46 AM, May 27, 2007  

  • we bought SUNNYBROOK rv for this reason...no paricle board or plywood and left out the carpet

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:46 AM, May 27, 2007  

  • Most Plastics "Outgas". When you have a closed environment, such as a trailer, and the manufacturers use materials that outgas, you get formaldahyde. Foam for insulation, adhesives, and a lot of other things will give the problem when closed up in high temperatures. I have seen articles that include turning on the heater of a new unit to help get rid of the problem. Open the window, turn on the vent fan or require the dealer to do it. They are aware of it, they just do not say anything. It will go away eventually.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:30 AM, May 27, 2007  

  • The reason manufactures don't build "green" is profit! They feel they cannot raise the price for a "green" built trailer and don't want to cut into their profit. If you don't want the toxic fumes, try buying a pre-owned unit.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:12 AM, May 27, 2007  

  • I worked in Biloxi, MS as an insurance adjuster following Katrina and saw a lot of these trailers. One thing I was told was that the people who received these trailers could buy them very cheaply after 18-24 months. They served a good purpose, but one person who had one showed me that the walls weren't plumb and the door had gaps around it. Look for them to start flooding the market in the near future.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:07 PM, May 27, 2007  

  • I agree that we should all be responsible for our own lives and the choices we make. But shouldn't the manufacturers also be responsible for what they produce. If it needs a month of de-gassing shouldn't the manufacturer let them sit at location to become livable. Why should I have to not be able to use my new purchase for at least one month after purchase when the warrenties are so short and limited already.

    By Blogger Tom, at 7:54 AM, May 28, 2007  

  • I agree that we should all be responsible for our own lives and the choices we make. But shouldn't the manufacturers also be responsible for what they produce. If it needs a month of de-gassing shouldn't the manufacturer let them sit at location to become livable. Why should I have to not be able to use my new purchase for at least one month after purchase when the warrenties are so short and limited already.

    By Blogger Tom, at 7:58 AM, May 28, 2007  

  • My husband and I just got home from Coeur d'Alene where we were looking at travel trailers. The salesman at the KZ dealership touted their trailers as being all wood, no particle board and no formaldahyde. They are built with an all aluminum frame for light weight. I haven't verified it. www.kz-rv.com is their web site. He said it is a very small, reputible company. Anyone know about them?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:46 PM, May 29, 2007  

  • I don't know if anyone reads any owners manuals or warnings on anything anymore. Most carpets and adhesives that are used in the RV industry are also used in homes. New carpets generally come with formaldahyde warnings as do some wood products which we all live with every day. this is not a new issue, but becomes a problem when used in confined area's like RV's. Wake up and read the labels.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:28 AM, May 30, 2007  

  • We have sold our air purifiers to RVers to deal with this outgasing. The technology breaks down the chemical components to rid of the gases. The first RVer we sold to had just bought a new 5th wheel. The man was so sick he went to the ER. We were doing an RV rally and he was another vendor there. We put a Breeze in his trailer and by evening the smells were gone. He had called the dealer to complain and tell him what we were doing and he said that was the best thing he could do. For

    By Anonymous Charlotte Lloyd, at 12:46 PM, June 03, 2007  

  • I am a very responsible and enthusiastic rv'er. About 2 years ago I moved to my rv full time.My rv is 6 years old now. Well ventilated, and high end. I began deveoloping a cough about a year and a half ago. My cough became persistant and debilitaiting. I coughed all night long, I went to doctor after doctor trying to find relief. I finally bought a new home and moved out of my rv. After 3 months out of the rv I have almost no sign of my relentless, debilitating 24 / 7 cough. I made efforts to keep the rv ventilated, but when not at home and in certain weather its not practicle. I had the levels tested and they were high after being closed up for several hours and remaind high for several hours after. Once my doctor saw the improvement after moving out he told me that about 20% of people are more sensitive to formaldahyde than others and that after repeated exposure or prolonged exposure such as living full time in the rv your system can be come overly sensitve with severe consequences. iwish i had fully understood wwhat was causing my cough earlier and saved myself a over a year of misery. Hopefully my story will help others put together the pieces,who might be having the same problems.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:11 PM, June 09, 2007  

  • Maybe Airstreams have less materials that outgas since the walls are aluminum.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:28 PM, June 09, 2007  

  • A few months ago we bought a new 23 ft travel trailer. I developed breathing problems and ended up in the er and a hospital stay, they never did figure it out but again when we went camping I got worse. I suspect the formaldehyde in the camper. We keep windows open as much as possible which is not always practical in northern Minnesota. I seems worse as time goes on not better and I fear I have damaged my lungs. We never recalled seeing any information on formaldehyde in or on the camper.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:22 PM, September 04, 2007  

  • How do I have my trailer tested? We purchased a fema trailer for quality family time but I am very afraid for my kids.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:17 AM, September 25, 2007  

  • This nothing new..For well over 40 year most trailers were finished on the inside with some type of wall panel which contain formaldahye. As a matter of fact all of these panel are required by FEDERAL LAW to have a label affixed to them stating the fact that the panels contain formaldahyde as well as the dangers associated with formaldahyde. So maybe it is time to go back to the old reliable DRYWALL and PAINT

    By Blogger charles shelley, at 12:36 PM, February 15, 2008  

  • I read through all the comments and noticed not too many from the other side of the spectrum. I have worked in the rv business for the last ten years in quality control and I can tell you from being right there while they're being built that there are precautions taken in the building process but formayldehyde is on of those things that was discovered after it was being used.It should have been tested more before being given the go-ahead. I can also say RV's are not made to be lived in and I don't think this was thoughorly thought out in the rush to get people into someplace for shelter. FEMA had representatives at the plant that inspected each and every unit for code and safety issues but this is something noone foresaw.Just an opion from a different perspective.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:09 AM, February 19, 2008  

  • I'm so glad to know I'm not crazy...my husband & I will go to rv shows where we can tour many campers at once...upon entering some of them I would instantly feel ill...nauseated, achy, headaches. I knew something was wrong...I just didn't know exactly what.

    By Blogger Susan, at 12:02 PM, February 23, 2008  

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