The Gray Nomad Syndrome

Here's a scenario many of you will have seen before: Couple retires, buys a lovely new mobile home or caravan, and sets out on that long-awaited tour of the nation. What begins with excitement and enthusiasm turns sour a few weeks into the trip when one or both partners become ill.

I've seen this happen time and again just in my small circle of aquaintences. I call it the Gray Nomad Syndrome. What it really is, is environmental poisoning. What very few people realize is that most new renovation materials are literally loaded with toxins. Carpet, vinyls, linoleum, chipboard and MDF are full of glues, resins and formaldehyde that off-gas noxious and harmful fumes for months to years.
And then there's the paint which also emits toxic gases (especially gloss and enamel paints).

So before someone you care about repeats this very scenario, warn them! Allowing new or freshly renovated habitats to air several months before living in them is a wise precaution. Leave all windows and doors open in a spot with great ventilation.