COS/Specific Substances/TBT-COS-007

Chromium VI in Cement

COSHH & Hazardous Substances › Specific Substances › Chromium VI in Cement

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Chromium VI (hexavalent chromium) is a sensitising agent naturally present in Portland cement that causes allergic contact dermatitis.
EU regulations require cement to contain less than 2 parts per million of soluble chromium VI — this is achieved by adding ferrous sulphate.
Despite regulation, chromium VI dermatitis remains one of the most common occupational skin diseases in UK construction.
Allergic contact dermatitis from chromium VI is permanent — once sensitised, any future cement contact triggers a severe reaction.
Symptoms include redness, itching, cracking, blistering, and painful skin on the hands, wrists, and forearms.
Wet cement, fresh concrete, mortar, and grout all contain chromium VI that penetrates skin on contact.
The time from first exposure to sensitisation varies — it can take weeks, months, or years of repeated contact.
Waterproof gloves are the primary barrier — standard rigger gloves do not prevent cement reaching the skin.
Chrome VI dermatitis is reportable under RIDDOR as an occupational disease when diagnosed by a medical professional.
Workers who develop chrome VI sensitisation can no longer work with cement products — it ends their career in concrete trades.

Permanent sensitisation	Chrome VI allergy is irreversible — once sensitised, even brief cement contact causes severe dermatitis for life.
Career-ending	A bricklayer, plasterer, or concrete finisher who develops chrome VI allergy cannot continue in their trade.
Simple prevention	Waterproof gloves prevent cement contact with skin — this single measure stops the exposure that causes sensitisation.

Don't

Wear waterproof gloves every time you handle cement, concrete, mortar, or grout.
Apply barrier cream before putting on gloves for additional skin protection.
Wash hands gently with mild soap and warm water after removing gloves.
Apply moisturiser after washing to restore the skin's natural protective barrier.
Report any skin irritation, redness, or cracking on hands and wrists immediately.
Attend health surveillance skin checks to detect early signs of dermatitis.
Change gloves when they become contaminated inside or develop holes.
Use low-chrome cement where it is available and specified for the project.
Remove cement-contaminated clothing promptly — do not let it dry on your skin.
Understand that chrome VI sensitisation is permanent and career-ending if ignored.

DON'T handle wet cement, concrete, or mortar without waterproof gloves.
DON'T skip barrier cream — use it with gloves for maximum skin protection.
DON'T wash hands with solvents or abrasive cleaners — they damage the skin barrier.
DON'T neglect moisturiser — dry skin is more vulnerable to chrome VI penetration.
DON'T dismiss early skin symptoms — they are the warning before permanent sensitisation.
DON'T avoid health surveillance — skin checks detect dermatitis before it becomes permanent.
DON'T continue wearing gloves with holes — cement inside the glove is worse than no glove.
DON'T use standard cement when low-chrome alternatives are available for the work.
DON'T let cement-soaked clothing remain against your skin — change immediately.
DON'T assume it will not happen to you — chrome VI sensitises anyone with enough exposure.

See also: Cement and Concrete Burns | Dermatitis Prevention

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