MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Material Safety Data Sheet 

Section 1: PRODUCT AND COMPANY INFORMATION 

Product Name(s): Cement Kiln Dust 

Product Identifiers: New LimeTM, Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), Kiln Dust, Cement Lime, Raw Mix, Kiln Feed, 

 Baghouse Dust. 

Manufacturer: Information Telephone Number: 

Lafarge North America Inc. 703-480-3600 (9am to 5pm EST) 

12018 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 500 Emergency Telephone Number: 

Reston, VA 20191 1-800-451-8346 (3E Hotline) 

Product Use: Kiln dust used in the manufacture of bricks, mortar, cement, concrete, plasters, paving 

materials, and other construction applications. 

Note: This MSDS covers many types of kiln dust. Individual composition of hazardous 

constituents will vary between types of kiln dust. 

Section 2: COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS 

Component Percent 

(By Weight) 

CAS 

Number 

OSHA PEL -TWA 

(mg/m3

) 

ACGIH TLVTWA (mg/m3

) 

LD50 (mouse, 

intraperitoneal) LC50

Portland Cement 

Kiln Dust 100 68475-76-3 NA NA NA NA 

Calcium Carbonate* 10-80 1317-65-3 15 (T); 5 (R) 3 (R); 10 (T) NA NA 

Calcium Oxide 5-50 1305-78-8 5 (T) 2 (T) 3059 mg/kg NA 

Crystalline Silica 0-10 14808-60-7 [(10) / (%SiO2+2)] (R); 

[(30) / (%SiO2+2)] (T) 0.025 (R) NA NA 

Magnesium Oxide 0-2 1309-48-4 15 (T) 10 (T) NA NA 

Note: Exposure limits for components noted with an * contain no asbestos and <1% crystalline silica 

Cement is made from materials mined from the earth and is processed using energy provided by fuels. 

Trace amounts of chemicals may be detected during chemical analysis of cement and cement kiln dust. 

For example, cement kiln dust may contain trace amounts of potassium and sodium sulfate compounds, 

chromium compounds, nickel compounds, and other trace compounds. 

Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION 

Waterproof 

Gloves

Waterproof 

Boots

Eye 

Protection

Respiratory 

Protection

WARNING 

 

Corrosive - Causes severe burns. 

Toxic - Harmful by inhalation. 

(Contains crystalline silica) 

Use proper engineering controls, work 

practices, and personal protective 

equipment to prevent exposure to wet 

or dry product. 

Read MSDS for details. 
MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (continued) 

Emergency Overview: Kiln dust is a solid, grey or tan, odorless powder. It is not combustible or explosive. A 

single, short-term exposure to the dry powder presents little or no hazard. Exposure 

of sufficient duration to wet kiln dust, or to dry kiln dust on moist areas of the body, 

can cause serious, potentially irreversible tissue (skin, eye, respiratory tract) damage 

due to chemical (caustic) burns, including third degree burns. 

Potential Health Effects: 

Eye Contact: Airborne dust may cause immediate or delayed irritation or inflammation. Eye contact 

with large amounts of dry powder or with wet kiln dust can cause moderate eye 

irritation, chemical burns and blindness. Eye exposures require immediate first aid 

and medical attention to prevent significant damage to the eye. 

Skin Contact: Kiln dust may cause dry skin, discomfort, irritation, severe burns, and dermatitis. 

Burns: Exposure of sufficient duration to wet kiln dust, or to dry kiln dust on moist areas of 

the body, can cause serious, potentially irreversible damage to skin, eye, respiratory 

and digestive tracts due to chemical (caustic) burns, including third degree burns. A 

skin exposure may be hazardous even if there is no pain or discomfort. 

 Kiln dust may be shipped or stored hot and can cause thermal burns to unprotected 

skin. 

Dermatitis: Kiln dust is capable of causing dermatitis by irritation and allergy. Skin affected by 

dermatitis may include symptoms such as, redness, itching, rash, scaling, and 

cracking. 

Irritant dermatitis is caused by the physical properties of kiln dust including alkalinity 

and abrasion. 

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by sensitization to hexavalent chromium 

(chromate) present in kiln dust. The reaction can range from a mild rash to severe 

skin ulcers. Persons already sensitized may react to the first contact with kiln dust. 

Others may develop allergic dermatitis after years of repeated contact with kiln dust. 

Inhalation (acute): Breathing dust may cause nose, throat or lung irritation, including choking, depending 

on the degree of exposure. Inhalation of high levels of dust can cause chemical 

burns to the nose, throat and lungs. 

Inhalation (chronic): Risk of injury depends on duration and level of exposure. 

Silicosis: This product contains crystalline silica. Prolonged or repeated inhalation of respirable 

crystalline silica from this product can cause silicosis, a seriously disabling and fatal 

lung disease. See Note to Physicians in Section 4 for further information. 

Carcinogenicity: Kiln dust is not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or NTP; however, kiln dust contains 

trace amounts of crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium which are classified by 

IARC and NTP as known human carcinogens. 

Autoimmune Some studies show that exposure to respirable crystalline silica (without silicosis) or 

Disease: that the disease silicosis may be associated with the increased incidence of several 

autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma (thickening of the skin), systemic lupus 

erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and diseases affecting the kidneys. 

 
MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (continued) 

 Tuberculosis: Silicosis increases the risk of tuberculosis. 

 Renal Disease: Some studies show an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage 

renal disease in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. 

Ingestion: Do not ingest kiln dust. Although ingestion of small quantities of kiln dust is not known 

to be harmful, large quantities can cause chemical burns in the mouth, throat, 

stomach, and digestive tract. 

Medical Conditions Individuals with lung disease (e.g. bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, pulmonary 

Aggravated by Exposure: disease) or sensitivity to hexavalent chromium can be aggravated by exposure. 

Section 4: FIRST AID MEASURES 

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, including under lids, to 

remove all particles. Seek medical attention for abrasions and burns. 

Skin Contact: Wash with cool water and a pH neutral soap or a mild skin detergent. Seek medical 

attention for rash, burns, irritation, dermatitis, and prolonged unprotected exposures 

to wet cement or kiln dust, cement mixtures or liquids from wet cement. 

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention for discomfort or if coughing or 

other symptoms do not subside. 

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If conscious, have person drink plenty of water. Seek 

medical attention or contact poison control center immediately. 

Note to Physician: The three types of silicosis include: 

• Simple chronic silicosis – which results from long-term exposure (more than 

20 years) to low amounts of respirable crystalline silica. Nodules of chronic 

inflammation and scarring provoked by the respirable crystalline silica form in 

the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may feature breathlessness 

and may resemble chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

• Accelerated silicosis – occurs after exposure to larger amounts of respirable 

crystalline silica over a shorter period of time (5-15 years). Inflammation, 

scarring, and symptoms progress faster in accelerated silicosis than in 

simple silicosis. 

• Acute silicosis – results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of 

respirable crystalline silica. The lungs become very inflamed and may fill with 

fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen levels. 

Progressive massive fibrosis may occur in simple or accelerated silicosis, but is more 

common in the accelerated form. Progressive massive fibrosis results from severe 

scarring and leads to the destruction of normal lung structures. 

Section 5: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES 

 

Flashpoint & Method: Non-combustible 

General Hazard: Avoid breathing dust. 

Wet kiln dust and 

cement is caustic. 

Firefighting Equipment: Kiln dust poses no firerelated hazard. A SCBA is 

recommended to limit 

exposures to combustion 

products when fighting any 

fire. Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing 

media appropriate for 

surrounding fire. Combustion Products: None. 
MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Section 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES 

General: Place spilled material into a container. Avoid actions that cause the kiln dust to 

become airborne. Avoid inhalation of kiln dust and contact with skin. Wear 

appropriate protective equipment as described in Section 8. Scrape wet kiln dust or 

cement and place in container. Allow material to dry or solidify before disposal. Do 

not wash kiln dust down sewage and drainage systems or into bodies of water (e.g. 

streams). 

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of kiln dust according to Federal, State, Provincial and Local regulations. 

Section 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE 

General: Keep bulk and bagged kiln dust dry until used. Stack bagged material in a secure 

manner to prevent falling. Bagged kiln dust and cement is heavy and poses risks 

such as sprains and strains to the back, arms, shoulders and legs during lifting and 

mixing. Handle with care and use appropriate control measures. 

Engulfment hazard. To prevent burial 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 kiln dust. Kiln dust and cement can buildup or adhere to the walls of a 

confined space. The kiln dust and cement can release, collapse or fall unexpectedly. 

Properly ground all pneumatic conveyance systems. The potential exists for static 

build-up and static discharge when moving cement powders through a plastic, nonconductive, or non-grounded pneumatic conveyance system. The static discharge 

may result in damage to equipment and injury to workers. 

Usage: Cutting, crushing or grinding hardened cement, concrete or other crystalline silicabearing materials will release respirable crystalline silica. Use all appropriate 

measures of dust control or suppression, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

described in Section 8 below. 

Housekeeping: Avoid actions that cause the kiln dust to become airborne during clean-up such as 

dry sweeping or using compressed air. Use HEPA vacuum or thoroughly wet with 

water to clean-up dust. Use PPE described in Section 8 below. 

Storage Temperature: Unlimited. Storage Pressure: Unlimited. 

Clothing: Promptly remove and launder clothing that is dusty or wet with kiln dust. Thoroughly 

wash skin after exposure to dust or wet kiln dust. 

Section 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION 

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation or other suppression methods to 

maintain dust levels below exposure limits. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 

 Respiratory Under ordinary conditions no respiratory protection is required. Wear a NIOSH 

 Protection: approved respirator that is properly fitted and is in good condition when exposed to 

 dust above exposure limits. 

 Eye Protection: Wear ANSI approved glasses or safety goggles when handling dust or wet kiln dust 

to prevent contact with eyes. Wearing contact lenses when using kiln dust, under 

dusty conditions, is not recommended. 
MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Section 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION (continued)

 Skin Protection: Wear gloves, boot covers and protective clothing impervious to water to prevent skin 

contact. Do not rely on barrier creams, in place of impervious gloves. Remove 

clothing and protective equipment that becomes saturated with wet kiln dust or 

cement and immediately wash exposed areas. 

Section 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

Physical State: Solid (powder). Evaporation Rate: NA. 

Appearance: Gray, tan, or white powder. pH (in water): 10 – 13

Odor: None. Boiling Point: >1000o

 C

Vapor Pressure: NA. Freezing Point: None, solid.

Vapor Density: NA. Viscosity: None, solid.

Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.8 Solubility in Water: 2-20%

Section 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY 

Stability: Stable. Keep dry until use. Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Kiln dust reacts 

with water, resulting in a slight release of heat, depending on the amount of lime 

(Calcium oxide) present. 

Incompatibility: Kiln dust and wet cement is alkaline and is incompatible with acids, ammonium salts 

and aluminum metal. Kiln dust and cement dissolves in hydrofluoric acid, producing 

corrosive silicon tetrafluoride gas. Kiln dust and cement reacts with water to form 

silicates and calcium hydroxide. Silicates react with powerful oxidizers such as 

fluorine, boron trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, manganese trifluoride, and oxygen 

difluoride. 

Hazardous Polymerization: None. Hazardous Decomposition: None. 

Section 11 and 12: TOXICOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 

For questions regarding toxicological and ecological information refer to contact information in Section 1. 

Section 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS 

Dispose of waste and containers in compliance with applicable Federal, State, Provincial and Local regulations. 

Section 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION 

This product is not classified as a Hazardous Material under U.S. DOT or Canadian TDG regulations. 

Section 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION 

OSHA/MSHA Hazard This product is considered by OSHA/MSHA to be a hazardous chemical and should 

Communication: be included in the employer's hazard communication program. 

CERCLA/SUPERFUND: This product is not listed as a CERCLA hazardous substance.

EPCRA This product has been reviewed according to the EPA Hazard Categories 

SARA Title III: promulgated under Sections 311 and 312 of the Superfund Amendment and 

Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is considered a hazardous chemical and a delayed 

health hazard. 

EPRCA This product contains none of the substances subject to the reporting requirements of 

SARA Section 313: Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 

1986 and 40 CFR Part 372. 
MSDS: Cement Kiln Dust

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Section 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION (continued) 

 RCRA: If discarded in its purchased form, this product would not be a hazardous waste 

either by listing or characteristic. However, under RCRA, it is the responsibility of the 

product user to determine at the time of disposal, whether a material containing the 

product or derived from the product should be classified as a hazardous waste. 

TSCA: Kiln dust and crystalline silica are exempt from reporting under the inventory update 

rule. 

California Crystalline silica (airborne particulates of respirable size) and Chromium (hexavalent

Proposition 65: compounds) are substances known by the State of California to cause cancer. 

WHMIS/DSL: Products containing crystalline silica and calcium carbonate are classified as D2A, E 

and are subject to WHMIS requirements. 

Section 16: OTHER INFORMATION 

Abbreviations: 

> Greater than NA Not Applicable 

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental 

Industrial Hygienists NFPA National Fire Protection Association 

CAS No Chemical Abstract Service number NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health 

NTP National Toxicology Program 

CERCLA 

Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation and Liability 

Act OSHA Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration 

CFR Code for Federal Regulations PEL Permissible Exposure Limit 

CL Ceiling Limit pH Negative log of hydrogen ion 

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation PPE Personal Protective Equipment 

EST Eastern Standard Time R Respirable Particulate 

HEPA High-Efficiency Particulate Air RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

HMIS Hazardous Materials Identification 

System SARA Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act 

T Total Particulate IARC International Agency for Research on 

Cancer TDG Transportation of Dangerous Goods 

LC50 Lethal Concentration TLV Threshold Limit Value 

LD50 Lethal Dose TWA Time Weighted Average (8 hour) 

mg/m3 Milligrams per cubic meter 

MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials 

Information System 

This MSDS (Sections 1-16) was revised on March 1, 2011. 

An electronic version of this MSDS is available at: www.lafarge-na.com under the Sustainability section. 

Lafarge North America Inc. (LNA) believes the information contained herein is accurate; however, LNA makes no 

guarantees with respect to such accuracy and assumes no liability in connection with the use of the information 

contained herein which is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice or as insuring 

compliance with any federal, state or local laws or regulations. Any party using this product should review all such 

laws, rules, or regulations prior to use, including but not limited to US and Canada Federal, Provincial and State 

regulations. 

NO WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR 

PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE.