What does formaldehyde smell like, exactly?

[blamb]

With what will hopefully soon be the purchase of my new Monty, I'm now a little worried about the formaldehyde thing, especially after it was brought up in another thread concerning my allergy issues with my inhabitable SOB one right now. I read a thread on here from back in July about formaldehyde and keystone, and from what I gather, all trailers have it and it's really just a matter of whether or not it bothers you as an individual or not, right?

With that in mind, what exactly does formaldehyde smell like? Can someone describe it? My only "known" experience with formaldehyde is when I was in high school and spent a few days working on human cadavers. The smell was strong and eye-watering, but not uncomfortable or allergy-inducing by any means. I have not since smelled that particular smell, so I am wondering if formaldehyde in a house or trailer or anything else besides a human cadaver smells differently?

I ask because now I'm worried about it with the new one I hope to be getting. I plan to ask the dealer to make sure it's been closed up for at least a day before I go see it and not to open it up, so I can sit in it for a while and see how I feel. But I'd also like to know how to prevent myself from buying a Monty that is going to bother me because of formaldehyde. Is there some way of knowing, other than that, if it is going to bother me, or even make me sick?

I mean, is formaldehyde something I should be concerned about with a 2009 model, if I plan to live in it full-time?

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Many members have NO problem with it, when they purchase and live in full time.

It is when they are sitting in a hot place for days on end, when new, and no ventilation that you will smell it.

Pick a hot day (warm??? day) and show up at a dealership with units sitting out there, with all windows and doors closed.

Go in one. You will know pretty quick if you are sensitive or not.

Cannot describe the smell, but I am very sensitve to it, and it burns my eyes and back of throat in no time.

Mine in 2003 was a bit bad, ran the air conditioner and kept a window by my head open a bit, and it really was not an issue, but, if we were home at the stick built for a while, and it was closed up, I could smell it. AIR IT OUT!

[Rondo]

blamb-- When you were in jr high or high school were you ever in a biology class and had to disect a frog or anything like that (oops didn't read your whole thread and the cadavor deal? Do you remember the smell of the liquid? The frog or what ever was pickled in formaldehyde. That is what it smells like!!
They say the smell of formaldehyde also smells like a new house you go into and it is because of the carpet makers and possibly the cabinets makers use it to produce their products. It has never bothered me but it can get quite strong on a hot day if you have not aired out your unit or new home!

[Waynem]

There is the key words, "aired out." Airing out will remove the nuisance. When we first walked into our 3400RL the smell was very strong. The dealer aired it out and when we picked it up there was no smell.

[richfaa]

Small amounts of formaldehyde are used in the manufacturer of many things in the RV and the home. A true allergy would mean that you would be affected no matter how small the amount..even now in your home. The reaction to even those that do not have a severe allergy in a Rv is because of the small area and heat buildup.If you do not have a reaction in your home or any other place it is unlikely that you have a allergy .. A allergy test would confirm what alleges you have. The possible mold is another issue..The dealer can be held accountable for that.

There does not seem to be any quick or easy way out of your circumstance. In our county/City there are many service agencies, Red Cross, Community care organizations, welfare.You have no job or income so it would seem you are a candidate for welfare. It is unusual that there is not a local agency that can provide you with short term help.

[sreigle]

I don't know how to describe the formaldehyde smell but if you have that problem you will smell it soon as you walk in and know something's not right. As others said, open windows and doors and let it air out for a few days.