health warning

[Judy Heilig]

Please explain the health warning they have posted in the new homes about the gases ??? My husband has some lung problems and this is a concern for me. At this time we do not own a manufactured home Thank You Judy Heilig

[rmurray]

The formaldahyde warning you mention is required by law...formaldahyde is one of the most common chemicals in all of industry...In new construction..it is in carpet, glues, paints, plastics...almost every part of a new home (manufactured or otherwise) has the same stuff....

This health warning is required of all large builders..manufactured or otherwise...

Those folks that are sensitive to chemicals should get medical advice from their doctors...But few folks are overly sensitive to formaldahyde and do not know it...formaldahyde is in many products that you use daily..like ink (newsprint), wrinkle free clothing...even toothpaste....because of this...most folks that have a sensitivity already know this...

The concentration of the off gassed formaldahyde lowers with time..If you are afraid of this..or better yet your doctor advises you to avoid formaldahyde...you would want to shop used homes (manufactured or otherwise) or even new manufactured homes in dealer inventory for a long time...Most of the formaldahyde will have already bled out of the home...

Quality of construction materials also has an effect..pressboard has lots of formaldahyde..while plywood and osb has little or none...By shopping the higher quality home you can lower the amount of formaldahyde exposure...but never totally eliminate it..

Let you husband check with his doctor..then go from there..

[Sandy Herrick]

I am very sensitive to chemicals, especially formaldahyde. We are looking for a desk. What kind do you suggest? We bought one with particle board and the smell was horrible. I immediately developed an allergy to it. We had to get it out of the house immediately!