Houston Homes: Is "Green" Cement Causing Asthma?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

July 29, 2025

The air in Houston hangs heavy, thick with humidity and, increasingly, a silent concern: is the “green” building boom inadvertently fueling an asthma epidemic? We’re told “green” is good, but what if the rush to sustainability is creating a new set of problems, particularly for vulnerable populations?

Let’s dive into the potential link between “green” cement in Houston construction and rising asthma rates.

“Green” cement, often touted as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Portland cement, incorporates supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash, slag, or silica fume. These materials are byproducts of other industrial processes, reducing the carbon footprint of cement production.

Houston, with its sprawling urban landscape and commitment to sustainable development, has seen a surge in the use of “green” cement in recent years. But is this shift impacting public health?

The core issue lies in the chemical composition of these SCMs and their potential to release harmful particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during and after construction. Fly ash, for example, can contain trace amounts of heavy metals and radioactive elements, while slag may release sulfur compounds.

Consider the case of a new housing development in the Spring Branch area of Houston, built almost entirely with locally sourced “green” cement. Residents began reporting increased respiratory issues, including asthma exacerbations, shortly after moving in.

While correlation doesn’t equal causation, the timing raises serious questions.

To investigate this potential link, we need to analyze Houston asthma statistics before and after the widespread adoption of “green” cement. Data from the Houston Health Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services can provide valuable insights into asthma prevalence and hospitalization rates over time.

We also need to examine the chemical composition of locally sourced “green” cement. Independent testing of cement samples from various suppliers can reveal the presence and concentration of potentially harmful substances.

This testing should specifically look for:

• Respirable crystalline silica: A known carcinogen and respiratory irritant.
• Heavy metals: Such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can have various adverse health effects.
• VOCs: Including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Sulfur compounds: Like hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, which can irritate the respiratory tract.

A critical challenge is the lack of standardized regulations and testing protocols for “green” cement. Unlike traditional Portland cement, which is subject to strict quality control measures, “green” cement often falls into a regulatory gray area.

This lack of oversight can lead to inconsistencies in the composition and quality of “green” cement, making it difficult to assess its potential health impacts.

Another pitfall is the tendency to focus solely on the carbon footprint of cement production, without considering the potential health consequences of using alternative materials. Sustainability should not come at the expense of public health.

So, what can Houston homeowners do to mitigate potential risks?

First, if you’re building or renovating a home, ask your contractor about the type of cement being used. Request information on its chemical composition and any available testing data.

Second, ensure proper ventilation during and after construction. Open windows and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove particulate matter from the air.

Third, consider using low-VOC paints, adhesives, and other building materials. These products release fewer harmful chemicals into the indoor environment.

Fourth, monitor your health and the health of your family members for any signs of respiratory problems. Consult a doctor if you experience persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Fifth, advocate for stricter regulations and testing protocols for “green” cement in Houston. Contact your local elected officials and urge them to prioritize public health in sustainable building initiatives.

Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: A homeowner in the Heights neighborhood of Houston suspects that the “green” cement used in a recent home renovation is contributing to their child’s asthma symptoms.

Here’s a step-by-step approach they can take:

1. Contact the contractor and request information on the type of cement used, including its source and chemical composition.
2. If the contractor is unable to provide this information, consider hiring an independent environmental testing company to sample and analyze the cement.
3. Consult with a doctor or allergist to determine if the child’s asthma symptoms are related to environmental factors.
4. Implement measures to improve indoor air quality, such as using air purifiers and increasing ventilation.
5. Contact the Houston Health Department to report the potential health concerns and request an investigation.

The city of Bellaire, located within the Houston metropolitan area, could serve as a case study. If Bellaire implemented stricter regulations on “green” cement composition and saw a lower increase in asthma rates compared to Houston, it would provide compelling evidence for the need for city-wide changes.

The challenge is not to abandon “green” building practices altogether, but to ensure that they are implemented responsibly and with careful consideration for public health. We need a more holistic approach to sustainability that balances environmental concerns with the well-being of our communities.

Houston’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, but it’s crucial to ensure that “green” initiatives don’t inadvertently create new health hazards. By prioritizing transparency, rigorous testing, and proactive mitigation measures, we can build a healthier and more sustainable future for all Houstonians.

Ignoring this potential link could have devastating consequences, particularly for children and other vulnerable populations. We must act now to protect the health of our communities and ensure that “green” building practices truly benefit everyone.