Houston Heat: Toxic Siding Inflaming Baby Lungs?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe air in your Houston home might be harboring a silent threat, especially if you’ve got little ones. It’s not always about what you can see; sometimes, it’s about what you can’t see – the invisible gases released from building materials, specifically your home’s siding. Could that brand-new siding you installed after the 2010 hurricane season be contributing to your infant’s persistent cough or unexplained respiratory issues? Let’s investigate.
Houston’s unique climate, with its high humidity and intense heat, can exacerbate the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from certain types of siding. These VOCs, released from materials like vinyl siding, can linger in the air and potentially trigger respiratory problems, especially in vulnerable populations like infants.
Let’s break down the science. VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many common building materials, including some types of siding, contain VOCs. When these materials are exposed to heat and sunlight, as they often are in Houston, they release these VOCs into the air. Infants, with their smaller lung capacity and developing respiratory systems, are particularly susceptible to the effects of VOCs.
Now, let’s compare two common siding options in Houston: Hardie Board (fiber cement) and vinyl siding. Hardie Board is generally considered a more environmentally friendly option because it’s made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s relatively inert and releases very few VOCs. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that can release VOCs, especially when new or exposed to high temperatures.
Consider a hypothetical scenario: The Smiths, a young family in Katy, Texas, built a new home in 2015 and opted for vinyl siding to save money. Within a few months, their newborn daughter started experiencing frequent respiratory infections and persistent coughing. After consulting with their pediatrician and an environmental specialist, they discovered elevated levels of VOCs in their home, likely originating from the vinyl siding.
So, how can you, as a concerned parent in Houston, determine if your siding is contributing to indoor air pollution? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Identify Your Siding Type: Determine what type of siding your home has. Check your original building plans or contact your builder. If you’re unsure, a visual inspection can often help. Hardie Board typically has a wood-grain texture and is thicker than vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is thinner, more flexible, and often has a repeating pattern.
DIY Air Quality Testing: While professional testing is ideal, you can start with a DIY approach. Purchase a VOC air quality monitor from a local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s in Houston. These monitors provide real-time readings of VOC levels in your home. Place the monitor in your infant’s room and other areas of concern, and track the readings over several days. Pay attention to whether VOC levels increase during the hottest parts of the day.
Professional Air Quality Testing: For a more accurate assessment, hire a certified indoor air quality specialist in Houston. Companies like SanAir Technologies Laboratory or Environmental Allies offer comprehensive testing services that can identify specific VOCs and their sources. This is especially important if your DIY testing reveals elevated VOC levels.
Inspect for Damage: Check your siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or fading. Damaged siding can release VOCs more readily.
Ventilation is Key: Ensure adequate ventilation in your home. Open windows and doors regularly, especially during cooler hours. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and pollutants. Consider investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove airborne particles and VOCs.
Consider Remediation: If testing confirms that your siding is a significant source of VOCs, consider remediation options. This could involve sealing the siding with a low-VOC sealant or, in more severe cases, replacing the siding with a low-VOC alternative like Hardie Board.
Local Resources: Contact the City of Houston’s Health Department for information on local air quality regulations and resources. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) also provides information on indoor air quality and VOCs.
One common mistake developers make is using cheaper, lower-quality vinyl siding to cut costs. This siding often contains higher levels of VOCs and is more prone to damage. Another pitfall is improper installation, which can lead to moisture buildup and mold growth, further exacerbating indoor air quality problems.
Let’s consider another real-world example: A family in The Woodlands, Texas, noticed a strong chemical odor in their new home after installing vinyl siding. They initially dismissed it as a “new house smell,” but the odor persisted, and their toddler developed a persistent cough. After professional air quality testing, they discovered that the vinyl siding was off-gassing high levels of VOCs. They ultimately decided to replace the siding with Hardie Board, which significantly improved their indoor air quality and their child’s health.
The challenge in Houston is the combination of high temperatures, humidity, and the prevalence of vinyl siding in many homes. This creates a perfect storm for VOC off-gassing and potential respiratory problems. Overcoming this challenge requires awareness, proactive testing, and a willingness to invest in healthier building materials.
Don’t underestimate the impact of your home’s siding on your family’s health, especially your infant’s. Take the necessary steps to identify potential problems and implement solutions to create a healthier indoor environment in your Houston home. Your child’s well-being is worth it. Remember to consult with qualified professionals and utilize local resources to ensure the best possible outcome.