A recent miscellaneous amendment to the 2004 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations places restrictions on the supply and use of cement and cement preparations including Mortars, Grouts and certain tile adhesives containing hexavalent chromium (‘Chromium VI’). This came into force on the 17th of January. However there will still be products on the market that were manufactured before this date.

It also prohibits the supply and use of cement that contains more than 2 parts per million of soluble chromium VI except where it is used in an enclosed process where there is no chance of skin contact.
Packaging should now contain information where the chromium VI content would exceed the above limit if it were not for the use of reducing agents. Information on storage conditions and shelf life of the product must also be included.

Chromium compounds have been recognised for a long time as being a notorious skin sensitiser, chrome dermatitis is a common complaint. Between 200 and 400 new cases are diagnosed each year. Once a person is sensitised even minute exposures can cause severe cases of dermatitis. Those most at risk are construction workers such as bricklayers, tile layers, and workers laying concrete floors. However anyone using cement products could be at risk if they don’t take suitable precautions.

Although these measures are aimed at reducing the numbers contracting dermatitis it is important to remember that exposure to wet cement can cause damage to the skin in other ways including cement burns.