**Bozeman Builds: Cheap Siding Crashing Youth Lungs?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air of Bozeman, Montana, once a symbol of pristine health, is now tinged with a growing concern. A disturbing trend has emerged alongside the city’s rapid expansion: a rise in respiratory ailments, particularly among young children. Could the very materials used to build Bozeman’s new homes be contributing to this health crisis?
The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding yes, and it’s time we stopped turning a blind eye.
The culprit? Potentially, the influx of cheaper, often imported, siding options that have become ubiquitous in Bozeman’s recent construction boom. These materials, while offering attractive price points for developers and homeowners, may contain harmful chemicals that off-gas into the environment, directly impacting the respiratory health of residents, especially children whose lungs are still developing.
Here’s a breakdown of the problem, and what you can do about it:
The Siding Suspects: What to Watch Out For
Not all siding is created equal. While traditional wood siding, properly treated, poses minimal risk, the cheaper alternatives often rely on synthetic materials and questionable manufacturing processes.
Vinyl Siding: This is a major offender. Many vinyl siding products contain phthalates, chemicals used to make the plastic more flexible. These phthalates can leach out over time, especially in warmer weather, and are known endocrine disruptors and potential respiratory irritants. The manufacturing process of vinyl siding also releases dioxins, highly toxic pollutants.
Fiber Cement Siding (Certain Brands): While generally considered a better option than vinyl, some fiber cement siding brands, particularly those imported from overseas, may contain asbestos or other harmful additives. It’s crucial to verify the manufacturer’s certifications and material composition.
Engineered Wood Siding (OSB/Particleboard): These sidings often rely on formaldehyde-based resins as binders. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and a potent respiratory irritant. Off-gassing can be a significant problem, especially in newer homes.
Montana-Specific Challenges and Testing Options
Bozeman’s unique climate exacerbates the problem. The high altitude and intense sunlight can accelerate the off-gassing of harmful chemicals from siding materials. Furthermore, the temperature fluctuations, from scorching summers to frigid winters, can cause siding to expand and contract, potentially releasing trapped pollutants.
So, how do you determine if your siding is a threat?
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Request the MSDS from your builder or siding manufacturer. This document provides detailed information about the chemical composition of the siding. Look for warnings about VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), formaldehyde, phthalates, and asbestos. If the MSDS is unavailable or incomplete, that’s a major red flag.
Professional Air Quality Testing: Hire a certified environmental testing company to conduct air quality tests inside your home. Specifically, request testing for VOCs, formaldehyde, and particulate matter. In Bozeman, consider contacting companies like EnviroTech Services or Montana Environmental Solutions. They have experience with local building materials and environmental conditions.
DIY VOC Monitors: While not as accurate as professional testing, you can purchase a home VOC monitor to get a general sense of the air quality in your home. These monitors provide real-time readings of VOC levels and can alert you to potential problems.
Asbestos Testing: If you suspect your siding contains asbestos (common in older homes or with certain imported fiber cement products), hire a certified asbestos inspector to take samples and have them analyzed by a laboratory. Montana DEQ provides a list of certified asbestos professionals.
Mitigation Strategies: Protecting Your Family’s Lung Health
If you’ve identified potentially harmful siding, don’t despair. There are steps you can take to mitigate exposure and protect your family’s health.
Ventilation is Key: Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans, especially during warmer months. Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system with a HEPA filter to remove airborne pollutants.
Air Purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters. Place them in bedrooms and living areas to remove particulate matter and VOCs from the air.
Sealant Application: Apply a low-VOC sealant to the interior walls of your home to create a barrier against off-gassing from the siding.
Siding Replacement (Last Resort): If the problem is severe and other mitigation strategies are insufficient, consider replacing the siding with a safer alternative, such as sustainably harvested wood siding or low-VOC fiber cement siding from a reputable manufacturer.
Advocate for Change: Contact your local Bozeman city council members and state representatives to advocate for stricter building codes and regulations regarding siding materials. Demand transparency and accountability from developers and manufacturers.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Ignoring the Problem: The biggest mistake is dismissing concerns about siding as unfounded. Don’t underestimate the potential impact of these materials on your health.
Relying on "Greenwashing": Be wary of siding products marketed as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” without proper certifications or documentation. Do your research and verify the claims.
DIY Testing Errors: If you choose to conduct DIY air quality testing, follow the instructions carefully and use reliable testing kits. Improper sampling or analysis can lead to inaccurate results.
Neglecting Ventilation: Ventilation is crucial for removing airborne pollutants. Don’t rely solely on air purifiers.
Choosing the Cheapest Option: When replacing siding, resist the temptation to choose the cheapest option. Invest in a high-quality, low-VOC material that will protect your family’s health for years to come.
Real-World Scenario: The Johnson Family of Bozeman
The Johnson family recently moved into a newly constructed home in the West Winds subdivision of Bozeman. Shortly after moving in, their two young children began experiencing persistent coughs and respiratory infections. Concerned, they hired an environmental testing company, which discovered high levels of formaldehyde in their home, likely off-gassing from the engineered wood siding. The Johnsons installed a whole-house ventilation system and air purifiers, which significantly improved their children’s health. They are now advocating for stricter building codes in Bozeman to protect other families from similar experiences.
The health of Bozeman’s children is not a price worth paying for cheaper building materials. It’s time to demand better, to hold developers accountable, and to prioritize the well-being of our community over short-term profits. By taking proactive steps to identify and mitigate the risks associated with harmful siding, we can ensure that Bozeman remains a healthy and vibrant place to raise a family.