Version 10, Updated 10/01/2024

Common Cements
Material Safety data sheet
According to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)

Section 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking

1.1 Product identifier

Products EN 197-1 Common cements and mixtures containing them

Trade Names
Bulk Cements Packed Cements
Heidelberg Materials Portland Cement Heidelberg Materials Multicem
Heidelberg Materials Portland Limestone Cement Heidelberg Materials General Purpose Cement
Heidelberg Materials White Portland Cement Hanson Low Carbon Cement
Heidelberg Materials White Portland Limestone Hanson High Strength 52,5N
Cement Heidelberg Materials White Portland Limestone
Cement

The following are the substances in the cement that contribute to the classification of the
mixture as regards acute toxicity, skin corrosion or serious eye damage, respiratory or skin
sensitisation, specific target organ toxicity (STOT) or aspiration hazard.

Substance EINECS CAS Hazard

Portland cement clinker 266-043-4* 65997-15-1 Serious eye damage, Skin
sensitisation and STOT SE
Flue dust from production of cement 270-659-9 68475-76-3 Serious eye damage, Skin
clinker** sensitisation and STOT SE
* Entry is called Cement, Portland, Chemicals.
** May exist in some products. For the purposes of this SDS information assume this substance
exists.

1.2 Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against

Cements are used in industrial installations to manufacture/formulate hydraulic binders for

building and construction work, such as ready-mixed concrete, mortars, renders, grouts,
plasters as well as precast concrete.

Common cements and cement containing mixtures (hydraulic binders) are used industrially, by
professionals as well as by consumers in building and construction work, indoor and outdoor.

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The identified uses of cements and cement containing mixtures cover the dry products and the
products in a wet suspension (paste).

Any uses not mentioned above, are advised against.

1.3 Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet

Heidelberg Materials
Second floor
Arena Court
Crown Lane
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 8QZ

1.4 Heidelberg Materials Customer Services

Tel: 0330 123 4525
E-mail: [email protected]

1.4 Emergency telephone number

Emergency telephone number: 0330 123 4520

Hours of operation: 06.30 – 18.00 (Monday-Friday) 06.30 – 12.00 (Saturday)
Service is provided in English

Emergency telephone number is not available outside office hours.

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

2.1.1 According to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)

Hazard class Hazard category Hazard statements

Skin irritation 2 H315: Causes skin irritation

Serious eye damage/eye

1 H318: Causes serious eye damage
irritation
Specific target organ toxicity single
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
exposure respiratory tract irritation 3

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2.2 Label elements

According to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)

Hazard pictograms

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H318 Causes serious eye damage

H315 Causes skin irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary statements

P102 Keep out of reach of children.

P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/

eye protection/face protection.

P305+P351+P338+P310 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several

minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to
do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a POISON
CENTRE or doctor/physician.

P302+P352+P333+P313 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. If skin

irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.

P261+P304+P340+P312 Avoid breathing dust. IF INHALED: Remove victim to

fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for
breathing. Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor/physician if
you feel unwell.
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P501 Dispose of product/packaging by hardening with the
application of water and dispose of as concrete waste.

Supplemental information

Skin contact with wet cement, fresh concrete or mortar may cause irritation, dermatitis or
burns. May cause damage to products made of aluminium or other non-noble metals.

2.3 Other hazards

Cement does not meet the criteria for PBT or vPvB in accordance with Annex XIII of REACH
(Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006).

When cement reacts with water, for instance when making concrete or mortar, or when the
cement becomes damp, a strong alkaline solution is produced. Due to the high alkalinity, wet
cement may provoke skin and eye irritation.

The product contains chromate reducing agent. As a result, the content of soluble chromium
(VI) is less than 2 ppm. If the storage conditions are not appropriate or the storage period is
exceeded, the effectiveness of the reducing agent can diminish, and the cement can become
skin sensitizing.

SECTION 3: Composition/information on ingredients

3.1 Substances

Not applicable

3.2 Mixtures

Common cement types according to the EN 197-1 standard:

CEM I 52,5N
CEM I 52,5R
CEM II/A-LL 32,5R
CEM II/A-LL 42,5N
CEM II/A-LL 52,5N
CEM III/A 42,5N LH

which contain less than 1% crystalline silica and:

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 Concentration Classification Regulation
1272/2008
Substance Range Registration EINECS CAS Hazard
(w/w in Number Hazard Class Statement
cement)
H335: May
STOT SE 3 cause
respiratory
irritation
H315: Causes
Portland 266- 6599 Skin irritation 2 skin irritation
cement 5-100% (a) 043- 7- Serious eye H318: Causes
clinker 4 15-1 damage/eye serious eye
irritation 1 damage
Skin H317: May
sensitisation cause an
1B allergic skin
reaction
H335: May
cause
STOT SE 3 respiratory
irritation
UK-01- H315:
270- 6847 Skin irritation 2 Causes skin
6874117423-
Flue dust (b) 0-5% 659- 5- irritation
6-0001 9 76-3 Serious eye H318: Causes
damage/eye serious eye
irritation 1 damage
Skin H317: May
sensitisation 1 cause an
allergic skin
reaction

(a) Portland cement clinker is, according to Art. 2.7(b) and Annex V.10 of EC Regulation
1907/2006 (REACH), exempt from the registration requirement.

(b) “Flue Dust” is a substance (UVCB), arising during production of cement clinker; other
conventional names are cement kiln dust, bypass meal, filter dust, ESP dust and clinker
dust.

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SECTION 4: First aid measures

4.1 Description of first aid measures

General notes

No personal protective equipment is needed for first aid responders. First aid workers should
avoid contact with wet cement or wet cement containing mixtures.

Following inhalation

Move the person to fresh air. Dust in throat and nasal passages should clear spontaneously.
Contact a physician if irritation persists or later develops or if discomfort, coughing or other
symptoms persist.

Following skin contact

For dry cement, remove and rinse abundantly with water. For wet cement, wash skin with
plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing, footwear, watches, etc. and clean thoroughly
before re-using them. Seek medical treatment in all cases of irritation or burns.

Following eye contact

Do not rub eyes in order to avoid possible cornea damage as a result of mechanical stress.
Remove contact lenses if any. Incline head to injured eye, open the eyelid(s) widely and flush
eye(s) immediately by thoroughly rinsing with plenty of clean water for at least 20 minutes to
remove all particles. Avoid flushing particles into uninjured eye. If possible, use isotonic water
(0.9% NaCl). Contact a specialist of occupational medicine or an eye specialist.

Following ingestion

Do not induce vomiting. If the person is conscious, wash out mouth with water and give plenty
of water to drink. Get immediate medical attention or contact the anti-poison centre.

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

Eyes

Eye contact with cement (dry or wet) may cause serious and potentially irreversible injuries.

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Skin

Cement may have an irritating effect on moist skin (due to sweat or humidity) after prolonged
contact or may cause contact dermatitis after repeated contact. Prolonged skin contact with
wet cement or wet concrete may cause serious burns because they develop without pain
being felt (for example when kneeling in wet concrete even when wearing trousers).

For more details see Reference (1).

Inhalation

Repeated inhalation of dust of common cements over a long period of time increases the risk
of developing lung diseases.

Environment

Under normal use, common cement is not hazardous to the environment.

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

When contacting a physician, take this MSDS with you.

SECTION 5: Fire-fighting measures

5.1 Extinguishing media

Common cements are not flammable.

5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

Cements are non-combustible and non-explosive and will not facilitate or sustain the
combustion of other materials.

5.3 Advice for fire-fighters

Cement poses no fire-related hazards. No need for special protective equipment for fire
fighters.

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SECTION 6: Accidental release measures

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures

6.1.1 For non-emergency personnel

Wear protective equipment as described under Section 8 and follow the advice for safe
handling and use given under Section 7.

6.1.2 For emergency responders

Emergency procedures are not required. However, respiratory protection is needed in

situations with high dust levels.

6.2 Environmental precautions

Do not wash cement down sewage and drainage systems or into bodies of water (e.g.
streams).

6.3Methods and material for containment and cleaning up

Collect the spillage in a dry state if possible.

Dry cement

Use clean up methods such as vacuum clean-up or vacuum extraction (Industrial portable
units, equipped with high efficiency air filters (EPA and HEPA filters, EN 1822) or equivalent
technique) which do not cause airborne dispersion. Never use compressed air. Alternatively,
wipe-up the dust by mopping, wet brushing or by using water sprays or hoses (fine mist to
avoid that the dust becomes airborne) and remove slurry. If not possible, remove by slurrying
with water (see wet cement). When wet cleaning or vacuum cleaning is not possible and only
dry cleaning with brushes can be done, ensure that the workers wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment and prevent dust from spreading. Avoid inhalation of cement and
contact with skin. Place spilled materials into a container. Solidify before disposal as described
under Section 13.

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Wet cement

Clean up wet cement and place in a container. Allow material to dry and solidify before
disposal as described under Section 13.

6.4 Reference to other sections

See Sections 8 and 13 for more details.

SECTION 7: Handling and storage

7.1 Precautions for safe handling

7.1.1 Protective measures

Follow the recommendations as given under Section 8. To clean up dry cement, see Subsection
6.3.

Measures to prevent fire

Not applicable

Measures to prevent aerosol and dust generation

Do not sweep. Use dry clean up methods such as vacuum clean-up or vacuum extraction,
which do not cause airborne dispersion.

For more information, refer to the practice guidelines adopted under the Social Dialogue
Agreement on Workers' Health Protection through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline
Silica and Products Containing it, by Employee and Employer European sectoral associations,
among which CEMBUREAU. These safe handling practices can be found via the following link:

http://www.nepsi.eu/agreement-good-practice-guide/good-practice-guide.aspx.

Measures to protect the environment

No special measures required.

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7.1.2 Information on general occupational hygiene

Do not handle or store near food and beverages or smoking materials. In dusty environment,
wear dust mask and protective goggles. Use protective gloves to avoid skin contact.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

Bulk cement should be stored in silos that are waterproof, dry (i.e. with internal condensation
minimised), clean and protected from contamination. Engulfment hazard: To prevent
engulfment or suffocation, do not enter a confined space, such as a silo, bin, bulk truck, or
other storage container or vessel that stores or contains cement without taking the proper
safety measures. Cement can build-up or adhere to the walls of a confined space. The cement
can release, collapse or fall unexpectedly. Packed products should be stored in unopened bags
clear of the ground in cool, dry conditions and protected from excessive draught in order to
avoid degradation of quality. Bags should be stacked in a stable manner. Do not use aluminium
containers for the storage or transport of wet cement containing mixtures due to
incompatibility of the materials.

7.3 Specific end use(s)

No additional information for the specific end uses (see section 1.2).

Control of soluble Cr (VI)

For cements treated with a Cr (VI) reducing agent according to the regulations given in Section
15, the effectiveness of the reducing agent diminishes with time. Therefore, cement bags
and/or delivery documents will contain information on the packaging date, the storage
conditions, and the storage period appropriate to maintaining the activity of the reducing
agent and to keeping the content of soluble chromium VI below 0.0002 % of the total dry
weight of the cement ready for use, according to EN 196-10. They will also indicate the
appropriate storage conditions for maintaining the effectiveness of the reducing agent.

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SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
8.1 Control parameters

8.1.1 Exposure limit values (Workplace Exposure Limits WEL)

Long Term
Substance CAS Exposure Limit (8hr Legal Reference
TWA Reference
Method)
Portland Cement Clinker -
65997-15-1 COSHH 2002 & HSE EH40/2005
Inhalable dust 10 mg/m3
Respirable dust 4 mg/m3

Recommendations given here are based on a DNEL level of 3mg/m3

8.2.1 Appropriate engineering controls

Measures to reduce generation of dust and to avoid dust propagating in the environment such
as dedusting, exhaust ventilation and dry clean-up methods which do not cause airborne
dispersion.

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 Exposure Scenario PROC* Exposure Technical Installation Efficiency
2, 3 Not required -
Industrial A) Not required or -
manufacture/formulation 14, 26 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation
of hydraulic building and 78%
construction materials A) General ventilation or 17%
5, 8b, 9 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 78%

2 Duration is not restricted (up to 480 minutes per shift, 5 shifts a week) Not required -
Industrial uses of dry 14, 22, A) Not required or -
hydraulic building and 26 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 78%
construction materials A) General ventilation or 17 %
(indoor, outdoor) 5, 8b, 9 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 78 %
A) Not required or -
Industrial uses of wet 7 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 78%
suspension of hydraulic 2, 5,
building and construction 8b, 9, Not required -
materials 10, 13,
14
2 Not required -
A) Not required or -
9, 26 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 72 %
Professional use of dry A) Not required or -
hydraulic building and 5, 8a, B) Integrated local exhaust ventilation 87 %
construction material 8b, 14
(indoor, outdoor) Localised controls are not applicable,
19 process only in good ventilated rooms or -
outdoor
A) Not required or -
11 B) Generic local exhaust ventilation 72 %
Professional uses of wet 2, 5,
suspensions of hydraulic 8a, 8b,
building and construction 9, 10, Not required -
materials 13, 14,
19
* PROC’s are identified uses and defined in section 16.2.

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8.2.2 Individual protection measures such as personal protection equipment

General

During work avoid kneeling in fresh mortar or concrete wherever possible. If kneeling is
absolutely necessary then appropriate waterproof personal protective equipment must be
worn. Do not eat, drink or smoke when working with cement to avoid contact with skin or
mouth. Before starting to work with cement, apply a barrier cream and reapply it at regular
intervals. Immediately after working with cement or cement- containing materials, workers
should wash or shower or use skin moisturisers.
Remove contaminated clothing, footwear, watches, etc. and clean thoroughly before re-using
them.

Eye/face protection

Wear approved glasses or safety goggles according to EN 166 when handling dry or wet
cement to prevent contact with eyes.

Skin protection

Use watertight, wear and alkali resistant gloves (e.g. Nitrile soaked cotton gloves with UKCA
Marking) internally lined with cotton, boots, closed long-sleeved protective clothing as well as
skin care products (including barrier creams) to protect the skin from prolonged contact with
wet cement. Particular care should be taken to ensure that wet cement does not enter the
boots. Regarding gloves, investigations have proven that nitrile impregnated cotton gloves
(layer thickness of c. 0.15mm) provide sufficient protection over a period of 480 minutes,
subject to normal wear and tear which can be task dependent. Always change damaged or
soaked gloves immediately. Always have spare gloves in ready supply. In some circumstances,
such as when laying concrete or screed, waterproof trousers or kneepads are necessary.

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Respiratory protection

When a person is potentially exposed to dust levels above exposure limits, use appropriate
respiratory protection. The type of respiratory protection should be adapted to the dust level
and conform to the relevant EN standard, (EN 149) or national standard.

Thermal hazards

Not applicable

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 RPE
Specification of respiratory protective efficiency -
Use PROC* Exposure equipment (RPE) assigned
protection
factor
(APF)
2, 3 Not required -
Industrial A) P1 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 4
manufacture/formulation of 14, 26 B) Not required -
hydraulic building and A) P2 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 10
construction materials 5, 8b, 9 B) P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
Duration is not restricted (up to 480 minutes per shift, 5 shifts a week)

2 Not required -
Industrial uses of dry 14, 22, A) P1 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 4
hydraulic building and 26 B) Not required -
construction materials A) P2 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 10
(indoor, outdoor) 5, 8b, 9 B) P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
A) P1 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 4
Industrial uses of wet 7 B) Not required -
suspension of hydraulic 2, 5,
building and construction 8b, 9, Not required -
materials 10, 13,
14
2 P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
A) P2 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 10
Professional use of dry 9, 26 B) P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
hydraulic building and 5, 8a, A) P3 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 20
construction material 8b, 14 B) P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
(indoor, outdoor) 19 P2 mask (FF, FM) APF = 10
A) P2 mask (FF, FM) or APF = 10
11 B) P1 mask (FF, FM) APF = 4
Professional uses of wet 2, 5,
suspensions of hydraulic 8a, 8b,
building and construction 9, 10, Not required -
materials 13, 14,
19
* PROC’s are identified uses and defined in section 16.2.

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An overview of the APFs of different RPE (according to EN 529) can be found in the glossary of
MEASE (16). Any RPE as defined above shall only be worn if the following principles are
implemented in parallel: The duration of work (compare with “duration of exposure” above)
should reflect the additional physiological stress for the worker due to the breathing resistance
and mass of the RPE itself, due to the increased thermal stress by enclosing the head. In
addition, it shall be considered that the worker’s capability of using tools and of
communicating are reduced during the wearing of RPE. For reasons as given above, the worker
should therefore be (i) healthy (especially in view of medical problems that may affect the use
of RPE), (ii) have suitable facial characteristics reducing leakages between face and mask (in
view of scars and facial hair). The recommended devices above which rely on a tight face seal
will not provide the required protection unless they fit the contours of the face properly and
securely. The employer and self-employed persons have legal responsibilities for the
maintenance and issue of respiratory protective devices and the management of their correct
use in the workplace. Therefore, they should define and document a suitable policy for a
respiratory protective device programme including training of the workers.

8.2.3 Environmental exposure controls

Air

Environmental exposure control for the emission of cement particles into air has to be in
accordance with the available technology and regulations for the emission of general dust
particles. Storing, loading or unloading cement in bulk prior to further transportation in bulk,
blending cement in bulk or using cement in bulk other than at a construction site, including the
bagging of cement and cement mixtures, the batching of ready-mixed concrete and the
manufacture of concrete blocks and other cement products, requires a permit under the
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

Water

Do not wash cement into sewage systems or into bodies of water, to avoid high pH. Above pH
9 negative eco-toxicological impacts are possible.

Soil and terrestrial environment

No special emission control measures are necessary for the exposure to the terrestrial
environment.
For further information, refer to Section 6 on ‘Accidental release measures.
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SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties

This information applies to the whole mixture.

(a) Physical state: Dry cement is a finely ground solid inorganic

material
(b) Colour: Grey or white powder (dry cement)
(c) Odour: Odourless
(d) Melting point/freezing point: Melting point >1,250°C
(e) Boiling point or initial boiling point and boiling range: Not
applicable as under normal atmospheric conditions, melting point
>1,250°C
(f) Flammability (solid, gas): Not applicable as is a solid which is non-
combustible and does not cause or contribute to fire through
friction
(g) Upper/lower explosive limits: Not applicable as is not a flammable
gas
(h) Flash point: Not applicable as is not a liquid
(i) Auto-ignition temperature: Not applicable (no pyrophoricity – no
organo-metallic, organo-metalloid or organo-phosphine bindings or
of their derivatives, and no other pyrophoric constituent in the
composition)
(j) Decomposition temperature: Not applicable as no organic peroxide
present
(k) pH: (T = 20°C in water, water-solid ratio 1:2): 11-13.5
(l) Kinematic viscosity: Not applicable as not a liquid
(m) Solubility in water (T = 20°C): slight (0.1-1.5 g/l)
(n) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Not applicable as is inorganic
mixture
(o) Vapour pressure: Not applicable as melting point >1,250°C
(p) Density and/or relative density: 2.75-3.20; Apparent density: 0.9-
1.5 g/cm³
(q) Relative vapour density: Not applicable as melting point >1,250 °C
(r) Typical particle size: 5-30 mm.

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9.2 Other information

9.2.1 Information with regard to physical hazard classes

Not applicable.

9.2.2 Other safety characteristics

Not applicable.

SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity

10.1 Reactivity

When mixed with water, cements will harden into a stable mass that is not reactive in normal
environments.

10.2 Chemical stability

Dry cements are stable as long as they are properly stored (see Section 7) and compatible with
most other building materials. They should be kept dry.

Contact with incompatible materials should be avoided. Wet cement is alkaline and
incompatible with acids, with ammonium salts, with aluminium or other non-noble metals.
Cement dissolves in hydrofluoric acid to produce corrosive silicon tetrafluoride gas. Cement
reacts with water to form silicates and calcium hydroxide. Silicates in cement react with
powerful oxidizers such as fluorine, boron trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, manganese
trifluoride, and oxygen difluoride.

10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions

Cements do not cause hazardous reactions.

10.4 Conditions to avoid

Humid conditions during storage may cause lump formation and loss of product quality.

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10.5 Incompatible materials

Acids, ammonium salts, aluminium or other non-noble metals. Uncontrolled use of aluminium
powder in wet cement should be avoided as hydrogen is produced.

10.6 Hazardous decomposition products

Cements will not decompose into any hazardous products.

SECTION 11: Toxicological information

11.1 Information on hazard classes as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

Hazard class Cat Effect Reference

Acute toxicity - dermal Limit test, rabbit, 24 hours contact, and
- 2,000 mg/kg body weight – no lethality. (2)
Based on available data, the classification
criteria are not met.
Acute toxicity- inhalation - No acute toxicity by inhalation observed. (9)
Based on available data, the classification
criteria are not met.
Acute toxicity - oral - No indication of oral toxicity from studies Literature
with cement kiln dust. survey
Based on available data, the classification
criteria are not met.
Skin corrosion/ irritation Cement in contact with wet skin may cause (2)
2 thickening, cracking or fissuring of the skin. Human
Prolonged contact in combination with experience
abrasion may cause severe burns.
Some individuals may develop eczema upon
exposure to wet cement dust caused by the
high pH which induces irritant contact
dermatitis after prolonged contact.
Portland cement clinker caused a mixed
picture of corneal effects and the calculated
irritation index was 128. Common cements
contain varying quantities of Portland

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 Serious eye damage/irritation cement clinker, blast furnace slag, gypsum
1 and limestone. Direct contact with cement (10), (11)
may cause corneal damage by mechanical
stress, immediate or delayed irritation or
inflammation. Direct contact by larger
amounts of dry cement or splashes of wet
cement may cause effects ranging from
moderate eye irritation (e.g. conjunctivitis
or blepharitis) to chemical burns and
blindness.
Some individuals may develop eczema upon
exposure to wet cement dust, caused either
by the high pH which induces irritant
contact dermatitis after prolonged contact,
or by an immunological reaction to soluble
Skin sensitisation 1 Cr (VI) which elicits allergic contact (3), (4)
dermatitis. The response may appear in a (17), (18)
variety of forms ranging from a mild rash to
severe dermatitis and is a combination of
the two above mentioned mechanisms. If
the cement contains a soluble Cr (VI)
reducing agent and as long as the
mentioned period of effectiveness of the
chromate reduction is not exceeded, a
sensitising effect is not expected [Reference
(3)] and labelling with H317 is not necessary
[Reference (18)].
Respiratory sensitisation - There is no indication of sensitisation of the (1)
respiratory system. Based on available data,
the classification criteria are not met.
Germ cell mutagenicity - No indication. Based on available data, the (12), (13)
classification criteria are not met.
No causal association has been established (1)
between Portland cement exposure and
cancer. The epidemiological literature does
not support the designation of Portland
cement as a suspected human carcinogen.

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 Portland cement is not classifiable as a
Carcinogenicity - human carcinogen (According to ACGIH A4: (14)
Agents that cause concern that they could
be carcinogenic for humans but which
cannot be assessed conclusively because of
a lack of data. In vitro or animal studies do
not provide indications of carcinogenicity
that are sufficient to classify the agent with
one of the other notations.). Based on
available data, the classification criteria are
not met.
Based on available data, the classification No evidence
Reproductive toxicity - criteria are not met. from human
experience
Cement dust may irritate the throat and
respiratory tract. Coughing, sneezing, and
STOT-single exposure shortness of breath may occur following
3 exposures in excess of occupational (1)
exposure limits. Overall, the pattern of
evidence clearly indicates that occupational
exposure to cement dust has produced
deficits in respiratory function. However,
evidence available at the
present time is insufficient to establish with
any confidence the dose-response
relationship for these effects.
Long term exposure to respirable cement
STOT-repeated exposure - dust above the occupational exposure limit (15)
may lead to coughing, shortness of breath
and chronic obstructive changes in the
respiratory tract. No chronic effects were
observed at low concentrations.
Based on available data, the classification
criteria are not met.
Aspiration hazard - Not applicable as cements are not used as
an aerosol.

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Apart from skin sensitisation, Portland cement clinker and common cements have the same
toxicological and eco-toxicological properties.

Medical conditions aggravated by exposure

Inhaling cement dust may aggravate existing respiratory system disease(s) and/or medical
conditions such as emphysema or asthma and/or existing skin and/or eye conditions.

11.2 Information on other hazards

11.2.1 Endocrine disrupting properties

Not applicable.

11.2.2 Other information

Not applicable.

SECTION 12: Ecological information

12.1 Toxicity

The product is not hazardous to the environment. Eco-toxicological tests with Portland cement
on Daphnia magna [Reference (5)] and Selenastrum coli [Reference (6)] have shown little
toxicological impact. Therefore, LC50 and EC50 values could not be determined [Reference
(7)]. There is no indication of sediment phase toxicity [Reference (8)]. The addition of large
amounts of cement to water may however cause a rise in pH and may, therefore, be toxic to
aquatic life under certain circumstances.

12.2 Persistence and degradability

Not relevant. After hardening, cement presents no toxicity risks.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential

Not relevant. After hardening, cement presents no toxicity risks.

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12.4 Mobility in soil

Not relevant. After hardening, cement presents no toxicity risks.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment

Not relevant. After hardening, cement presents no toxicity risks.

12.6 Endocrine disrupting properties

Not relevant.

12.7 Other adverse effects

Not relevant.

SECTION 13: Disposal considerations

13.1 Waste treatment methods

Do not dispose of into sewage systems or surface waters.

Product - cement that has exceeded its shelf life

EWC entry: 10 13 99 (Wastes not otherwise specified)

(and when demonstrated that it contains more than 0.0002% soluble Cr (VI)): shall not be
used/sold other than for use in controlled closed and totally automated processes or should be
recycled or disposed of according to local legislation or treated again with a reducing agent.

Product - unused residue or dry spillage

EWC entry: 10 13 06 (other particulates and dust)

Pick up dry unused residue or dry spillage as is. Mark the containers. Possibly reuse depending
upon shelf life considerations and the requirement to avoid dust exposure. In case of disposal,
harden with water and dispose according to “Product – after addition of water, hardened”

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Product – slurries

Allow to harden, avoid entry in sewage and drainage systems or into bodies of water (e.g.
streams) and dispose of as explained below under “Product - after addition of water,
hardened”.

Product - after addition of water, hardened

EWC entries: 10 13 14 (waste from manufacturing of cement – waste concrete or concrete

sludge) or 17 01 01 (construction and demolition wastes - concrete).

Dispose of according to the local legislation. Avoid entry into the sewage water system.
Dispose of the hardened product as concrete waste. Due to the inertisation, concrete waste is
not a dangerous waste.

Packaging

EWC entries: 15 01 01 (waste paper and cardboard packaging).15 01 02 (Plastic packaging).

Completely empty the packaging and process it according to local legislation.

SECTION 14: Transport information

Cement is not covered by the international regulation on the transport of dangerous goods
(IMDG, IATA, ADR/RID), therefore no classification is required.
No special precautions are needed apart from those mentioned under Section 8.

14.1 UN number or ID number

Not relevant

14.2 UN proper shipping name

Not relevant

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)

Not relevant
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14.4 Packing group

Not relevant

14.5 Environmental hazards

Not relevant

14.6 Special precautions for user

Not relevant

14.7 Maritime transport in bulk according to IMO instruments

Not relevant

SECTION 15: Regulatory information

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or
mixture

EU regulatory information

Cement is a mixture according to REACH and is not subject to registration. Cement clinker is
exempt from registration (Art 2.7 (b) and Annex V.10 of REACH).

The marketing and use of cement is subject to a restriction on the content of soluble Cr (VI)
(REACH Annex XVII point 47 Chromium VI compounds)

National regulatory information

Health & Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 Control of Substances

Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004

Environmental Protection Act 1990

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HSE Guidance Note EH40 (Workplace Exposure Limits)

Portland Cement Dust – Hazard assessment document, HSE Document EH75/7

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

15.1 Chemical Safety Assessment

No chemical safety assessment has been carried out for this mixture by the supplier.

SECTION 16: Other information

16.1 Indication of changes

This MSDS (Version 10 January 2024) replaces Version 9 ‘Material Safety Data Sheet –
Common Cements’ which was published in April 2022. The company name (Heidelberg
Materials) and address (section 1.3) has been updated.

16.2 Identified uses and use descriptors and categories

The table below gives an overview of all relevant identified uses of cement or cement
containing hydraulic binders. All the uses have been grouped in these identified uses because
of the specific conditions of exposure for human health and environment. For each specific
use, a set of risk management measures or localised controls has been derived (see section 8)
which need to be put in place by the user of cement or cement containing hydraulic binders to
bring the exposure to an acceptable level.

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 Manufacture/ Professional/
PROC Identified Uses - Use Description Formulation of Industrial use of
building and construction
materials
2 Use in closed, continuous process with occasional controlled X X
exposure, e.g. industrial or professional manufacture of hydraulic
binders.
3 Use in closed batch process, e.g. industrial or professional X X
manufacture of ready-mix concrete.
Mixing or blending in batch process for formulation of mixtures and
5 articles, e.g. industrial or professional manufacture of pre- cast X X
concrete.
7 Industrial spraying, e.g. Industrial use of wet suspensions of hydraulic X
binders by spraying
Transfer of substance or mixture from/to vessels/large containers at
8a non-dedicated facilities, e.g. use of cement in bags to prepare mortar X

Transfer of substance or mixture from/to vessels/large containers at

8b dedicated facilities, e.g. filling of silos or road/ rail tankers at cement X X
plants.
9 Transfer of substance or mixture into small containers, e.g. filling of X X
cement bags in cement plants.
10 Roller application or brushing, e.g. Products to improve adherence
between building surfaces and finishing products
11 Non-Industrial spraying, e.g. professional use of wet suspensions of X
hydraulic binders by spraying.
13 Treatment of articles by dipping and pouring, e.g. covering of X
construction product with a layer to improve the performance of the
product.
14 Production of mixtures or articles by tabletting, compression X X
extrusion, palletisation, e.g. production of floor tiling.
19 Hand-mixing with intimate contact and only PPE available, e.g. X
mixture of wet hydraulic binder on a construction site.
22 Potentially closed processing operations with minerals/metals at X
elevated temperature in Industrial setting, e.g. production of bricks.
26 Handling of solid inorganic substances at ambient temperature, e.g. X X
mixture of wet hydraulic binders.
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16.3 Abbreviations and acronyms

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

ADR/RID European Agreements on the transport of Dangerous goods by Road/Railway
APF Assigned protection factor
BOELV Binding Occupational Exposure Limit Value
CAS Chemical Abstracts Service
CLP Classification, labelling and packaging (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008)
COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
DNEL Derived no-effect level
EC50 Half maximal effective concentration
ECHA European Chemicals Agency
EINECS European Inventory of Existing Commercial chemical Substances
EPA Type of high efficiency air filter
ES Exposure scenario
EWC European Waste Catalogue
FF P Filtering face piece against particles (disposable)
FM P Filtering mask against particles with filter cartridge
GefStoffV Gefahrstoffverordnung
HEPA Type of high efficiency air filter
H&S Health and Safety
IATA International Air Transport Association
IMDG International agreement on the Maritime transport of Dangerous Goods LC50
Median lethal dose
MEASE Metals estimation and assessment of substance exposure, EBRC Consulting
GmbH for Eurometaux,
http://www.ebrc.de/industrial-chemicals-reach/projects-and-
references/mease.php
MS Member State
MSDS Material safety Data Sheet
OELV Occupational exposure limit value
PBT Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic
PNEC Predicted no-effect concentration
PROC Process category
REACH Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals
RPE Respiratory protective equipment
SCOEL Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit Values
SDS Safety Data Sheet
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SE Single exposure
STP Sewage treatment plant
STOT Specific Target Organ Toxicity
TLV-TWA Threshold Limit Value-Time-Weighted Average
TRGS Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe
VLE-MP Exposure limit value-weighted average in mg by cubic meter of air
vPvB Very persistent, very bio-accumulative
WEL Workplace exposure limit
w/w Weight by weight
WWTP Waste water treatment plant

16.4 Key literature references and sources of data

(1) Portland cement Dust - Hazard assessment document EH75/7, UK Health and Safety
Executive, 2006.
Available from: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web/portlandcement.pdf.

(2) Observations on the effects of skin irritation caused by cement, Kietzman et al,
Dermatosen, 47, 5, 184-189 (1999).

(3) European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and the

Environment (SCTEE) opinion of the risks to health from Cr (VI) in cement (European
Commission, 2002).
http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_risk/committees/sct/documents/out158_en.p
df.

(4) Epidemiological assessment of the occurrence of allergic dermatitis in workers in the

construction industry related to the content of Cr (VI) in cement, NIOH, Page 11, 2003.

(5) U.S. EPA, Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and
Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms, 3rd ed. EPA/600/7-91/002, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH (1994a) and 4th ed. EPA-
821-R-02-013, US EPA, office of water, Washington D.C. (2002).

(6) U.S. EPA, Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters
to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, 4th ed. EPA/600/4-90/027F, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH (1993) and 5th ed. EPA-
821-R-02-012, US EPA, office of water, Washington D.C. (2002).
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 (7) Environmental Impact of Construction and Repair Materials on Surface and Ground
Waters. Summary of Methodology, Laboratory Results, and Model Development.
NCHRP report 448, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 2001.

(8) Final report Sediment Phase Toxicity Test Results with Corophium volutator for
Portland clinker prepared for Norcem A.S. by AnalyCen Ecotox AS, 2007.

(9) TNO report V8801/02, an acute (4-hour) inhalation toxicity study with Portland
Cement Clinker CLP/GHS 03-2010-fine in rats, August 2010.

(10)TNO report V8815/09, Evaluation of eye irritation potential of cement clinker G in vitro
using the isolated chicken eye test, April 2010.

(11)TNO report V8815/10, Evaluation of eye irritation potential of cement clinker W in

vitro using the isolated chicken eye test, April 2010.

(12)Investigation of the cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects of cement dusts in rat

alveolar macrophages, Van Berlo et al, Chem. Res. Toxicol., 2009 Sept; 22(9):1548- 58.

(13)Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of cement dusts in A549 human epithelial lung cells in
vitro; Gminski et al, Abstract DGPT conference Mainz, 2008.

(14)Comments on a recommendation from the American Conference of governmental

industrial Hygienists to change the threshold limit value for Portland cement, Patrick
A. Hessel and John F. Gamble, EpiLung Consulting, June 2008.

(15)Prospective monitoring of exposure and lung function among cement workers, Interim
report of the study after the data collection of Phase I-II 2006-2010, Hilde Notø, Helge
Kjuus, Marit Skogstad and Karl-Christian Nordby, National Institute of Occupational
Health, Oslo, Norway, March 2010.

(16)MEASE, Metals estimation and assessment of substance exposure, EBRC Consulting

GmbH for Eurometaux,
http://www.ebrc.de/industrial-chemicals-reach/projects-and-references/mease.php

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 (17)Occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis caused by chromium in cement. A review of
epidemiological investigations, Kåre Lenvik, Helge Kjuus, NIOH, Oslo, December 2011.

(18)ECHA Support Questions and Answers agreed with National Helpdesks. ID 1659, May
2020. https://each.europa.eu/es/support/qas-suuprt/qas-agreed-with-national-
helpdesks

16.5 Current hazard statements and precautionary statements

Hazard statements and precautionary statements are already listed under Section 2 ‘Hazards
identification’, 2.1 ‘Classification of the substance or mixture’ and 2.2 Label Elements’.

16.6 Training advice

In addition to health, safety and environmental training programs for their workers, companies
must ensure that workers read, understand and apply the requirements of this SDS.

16.7 Further information

The data and test methods used for the purpose of classification of common cements, are
given or referred to in section 11.1.

16.8 Classification and procedure used to derive the classification for mixtures according
to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 [CLP]

Classification according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 Classification procedure

Skin Irrit. 2, H315 on basis of test data

Eye dam. 1, H318 on basis of test data

STOT SE. 3, H335 Human experience

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16.9 Disclaimer

The information on this data sheet reflects the currently available knowledge and is reliable
provided that the product is used under the prescribed conditions and in accordance with the
application specified on the packaging and/or in the technical guidance literature. Any other
use of the product, including the use of the product in combination with any other product or
any other process, is the responsibility of the user.

It is implicit that the user is responsible for determining appropriate safety measures and for
applying the legislation covering his/her own activities.

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