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Warning Labels Cause Concern to Expecting Couple
I own a 1998 Sea Breeze motor home in which my wife and I are currently traveling across the country. We have recently noticed a warning label which reads: "This vehicle like many other vehicles may contain small amounts of one or more substances that are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm." As my wife is newly pregnant, we are extremely concerned with this warning and are very interested in determining the risks involved in continued travel. Is there any information you can give us or sources of information you can point us to? Tom McQueen, California
Our Response: We appreciate your concern, Tom. As you undoubtedly know, many substances such as formaldehyde and varnishes are used to inhibit the growth of various fungi and bacteria in many RVs and household items. In checking with the EPA, we have discovered that if you have any question about the risk, you need to understand that lots of fresh air is probably the only remedy for your concern. From visiting thousands of RVs on lots, we have found many noxious odors, especially when the RV has been sitting in the sun on a hot day. These odors are strong enough that we won't even complete the inspection. These vehicles have always been locked up tight, and as soon as they are aired out, the odors dissipate. This is one reason we recommend heavy-duty roof fans and torque windows for venting. A small ozone generator will help tremendously in eliminating the odors. If any of our members have any additional information to add, we're sure Tom would appreciate your input. |
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