Australasian Touring Caravan, Motorhome & Camping Club, Inc.

The following information is from ‘Caravan & Camping' magazine

FORMALDEHYDE WARNING!!

Sump or Toilet chemicals that contain Formaldehyde can be harmful to the environment

What is the issue with the use of formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical used as an active ingredient to treat odours in the black water tanks of self-contained caravans and motorhomes.  When black water tanks containing formaldehyde are emptied into septic systems or the environment they can kill bacteria that are breaking down waste thus causing major disruptions.

Formaldehyde is toxic to insects, animals and plants and therefore when formaldehyde enters the environment in concentrated forms such as from black water tanks it will have a negative effect on the natural cycle of life and can kill large amounts of bacteria.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical made from concentrated forms of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.

What are the alternatives?

Not all deodorising products contain formaldehyde.  To enable you to buy products with the environment in mind, the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW has compiled the table below to highlight the major brands available.  Before buying deodorising products it is recommended that you read the label.

The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW strongly advocates the use of formaldehyde-free sump and toilet chemicals and recommends the use of environmentally friendly and biodegradable products.

The eco-friendly products are available at suppliers such as Camec Pty Ltd, Coast to Coast RV Services and some caravan and motorhome dealerships.  For your closest supplier please visit our website http://www.tournsw.com.au/