Is Air Quality A Concern Living In A Van Or Small Spaces In General?

Air quality is an important issue for our health. Though air quality is an important health issue for everyone, it's especially critical to myself as I have asthma. I'm more posting this looking for help, suggestions and advice even more so than myself sharing information because I imagine some of you current van dwellers out there can probably touch on this topic.

Air Quality Issues For Van Dwellers

Oftentimes when watching Youtube videos about vandwellers, I hear people talk about how they selected a certain type of material because it doesn't put off elements or odors which are harmful to people, animals and respiratory health overall. Being new to this whole vandwelling movement and not really being that familiar with construction or construction materials I am reaching out to you guys looking for assistance?

If anyone can comment on certain types of treated wood, carpets, plastics, insulation, or even paints put off harmful chemicals please list some of these in the comments section below, or if you'd like I'd love to invite you on to do a blog post on this very subject matter.

I would imagine living in a small space air quality is of even more importance since there is less air for harmful things to be dispersed among and because living in a small space like a van with not the best ventilation your sitting with stale air much more so as well.

I seem to notice many people who have completely wooded interiors mention they do so because wood doesn't put off harmful chemicals or odors like many plastics and other materials.

One last thing I wanted to comment on and ask of current vandwellers. I notice after getting home from a road trip and long driving I often don't feel the greatest, have a headache or breathing is a bit more difficult I wasn't sure whether to attribute this to being in a closed up car with stale air or just roadtrips in general. I am a smoker and driving can get boring so I do tend to smoke more. Also on roadtrips you tend to eat a bit more junkfood, get a bit less sleep, etc so though this could also attribute to feeling under the weather as well but I was curious if any current vandwellers can touch on the subject of whether they notice themselves getting ill more or having any respiratory problems after living in a van?

Lastly, if anyone would care to share any tips, tricks, how to's, or products that help with air circulation and keeping clean air in your van we would love to hear that as well.

I'm Considering Living In A Van

For a while now I've had an interest in small space living such as shipping containers, RV's, or even just a Tiny House. I've also been thinking about simplifying my life, living a more minimalist existance, and doing more traveling. So when I first discovered the concept of VanDwelling it obviously appealed to me.

Once I began doing research, I was quite surprised to see how big this movement and lifestyle really is as well as how many people are interested in it. There's quite a number of blogs, websites, forums, and even Youtube stations dedicated to this very topic. While some Vandwell out of necessity others do it because they like to travel, and some do it because they like the lifestyle.

VanDwelling - Living In A Van

I'm still on the fence and still investigating whether full-time van living is a possibility for me. I pretty much most definately plan on buying a van and converting a van into a camper, as to whether I live in the van full-time is another story. Not only do I have two dogs. I have a girlfriend who is allergic to my two dogs so living in a small space with dogs would be a challenge. Another challenge would be in the wintertime having two dogs cramped up in such a small space without anywhere to run around. This may be possible with a small dog or even a single dog, however I have two dogs. I have a 100 pound Olde English Bulldogge, and a smaller Chihuaha/Dachsund mix.

Like I said, I will most definately be buying a van and converting a van into a camper, whether it becomes a residence or just a mode of transportation for weekend trips is still up in the air. Regardless I wanted to document my entire journey from investigating which type of van would best fit my lifestyle, to planning out the design and layout of the van, to the actual construction and outfitting of the van, so that's what your in for.

As I'm in the preparation stages I'll probably share some of my research as well as thought process as well as some of my concerns about van living and how I plan to address them. In this process I would love for your guys questions, comments, and suggestions so please feel free to comment below all the articles if you have anything to add and at anytime if anyone is ever interested in doing some guest blogging give me a shout. Look forward to connecting with some of you current and future vandwellers out there.