Formaldehyde in MH

[Jerry Fortner]

We are condsidering buying a MH. We have looked at several different brands. Some of the brands have posted that products in the manufacture process contain formaldehyde that may cause allergic reactions. Some manufacturers did not have this posted. Question is, "How often have you heard of this affecting people that have bought MHs? My wife has many airborne allergies and I would hate to buy a MH and then lose her or the MH. Your comments would be appreciated
Jerry Fortner

[rmurray]

First....ALL new homes MUST have this sign posted...If they do not, they are in violation of a law that can get them fined by over $10,000 per home...Any dealer that removes this sign does so at his peril...

Formaldehyde is one of the most common chemicals used in this country...It is in newsprint, inks, plastics, glues....the list goes onto thousands of items..For most folks the most exposure they ever get is from wrinkle free fabrics.... Formaldehyde is the key chemical that resists the wrinkles..A byproduct of aspertane (artificail sweetner) and digestive acids is formaldehyde and the source of much controversy right now...Many building products use Formaldehyde in some way...New energy efficient homes are very tightly built and tend let the the off gassing of Formaldehyde from new building materials to build up somewhat...There are some folks very sensitive to this chemical...They usually know they are sensitive by the time they are old enough to buy a home...but not always...

Air born alergies and chemical alergies are much different...but the ONLY place to get good advice about your wifes condition is from her doctor....It might be that she should not buy any new building and have to buy something a few years old in which the Formaldehyde has done most of its off gassing..

[N. THOMAS]

Melamine formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of plastics that go into counter and tabletops. Such brand products such as Formica and Texolite are examples.

[Christy]

Hi Jerry,

I have allergies and asthma and actually just had my new home delivered here yesterday, I now have the windows open for it to air out and when the setup crew is done setting it up I will vacuum good and wipe the cabinets and countertops down. I have good air cleaning units that will help and I suggest you purchasing at least 2 good ones to help. This is my second MH I have bought and the last one gave me problems for the first couple of weeks, then it got alot better. It's really not that bad and I have severe asthma and allergies. I am going to let the house air out a good week before we move in, even someone with healthy lungs should do that in my opinion. The air cleaners work wonders and have been a life saver for me. Best of luck, Christy

[Jerry Fortner]

Thanks to all who answered. RMurray,N Thomas,Christy, all informative answers and I appreciate your time
Jerry