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Material Safety Data Sheet

Ready Mixed Concrete

Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Ready Mixed Concrete

Synonyms: Ready mix concrete, concrete, 

Company Identification:

USC Technologies, Inc.

755 Stockton Ave.

San Jose, CA 95126

For information, call: 408-404-2013 or 408-510-8422

Emergency Number: 408-404-2013 or 408-510-8422

For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300 

Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients 

Component CAS Number % By 

Weight

OSHEA PEL-TWA

Respirable

ACGIH TLV-TWA

Respirable

Crystalline Silica 14808-60-7 20-85 [(10) / (%SIO2+2)] 0.025 mg/m3

Portland Cement 65997-15-1 10-60 5 mg/m3 10 mg/m3

Fly Ash 68131-74-8 0-50 NA NA

Amorphous Silica* 79631-86-9 0-30 [(80) / (%SIO2+2)] NA

Iron Oxide* 1309-37-1 0-20 10 mg/m3 5 mg/m3

Aluminum Oxide* 1344-28-1 0-18 5 mg/m3 1 mg/m3 

Calcium Oxide* 1305-78-8 0-15 5 mg/m3 2 mg/m3

Note: Components listed with an * are introduced as constituents of fly ash.

Concrete contains cement which is extracted from the earth’s crust and processed using heat from various 

fuels. As a result, trace amounts (<0.05%) of naturally occurring potentially harmful compounds may be 

detected during chemical analysis. Portland cement may contain trace amounts of chromium salts or 

compounds, including hexavalent chromium, and other compounds such as nickel, potassium and sodium 

sulfate. Chemical admixtures may also be present in trace amounts.

Section 3 - Hazards Identification 

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Unhardened concrete is an odorless, semi-fluid, flowable paste of varying consistency and color. Exposure 

of sufficient duration to unhardened concrete can cause serious, potentially irreversible tissue damage due 

to chemical burns. First, second and third degree burns may occur without obvious pain at the time of 

exposure.
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Potential Health Effects

Eye Contact: May cause immediate or delayed irritation, inflammation, chemical burns and blindness. 

Eye exposure requires immediate first and medical care to prevent significant injury.

Skin Contact (acute): May cause dry skin, irritation, dermatitis and severe chemical burns.

Burns: Exposure of sufficient duration to unhardened concrete can cause serious, potentially 

irreversible skin damage due to chemical burns. Skin exposures may be hazardous even when 

there is no discomfort. Third degree burns may occur.

Dermatitis: Unhardened concrete is capable of causing dermatitis through irritation and allergy. 

Dermatitis may include symptoms such as, redness, itching, rash, scaling, and cracking.

Sensitization: Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by sensitization of hexavalent chromium 

(chromate) which is present, in small quantities, in concrete. The reaction can range from a mild 

rash to severe skin ulcers. Reaction can occur upon first contact with unhardened concrete or 

develop after years of repeated contact.

Inhalation (acute): Cutting, grinding, scarifying or sandblasting hardened concrete produces dust that 

contains respirable silica and hexavalent chromium. Breathing dust may cause nose, throat, lung or 

mucous membrane irritation. Inhalation of high levels of dust can cause chemical burns to respiratory 

organs.

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

Silicosis: Repeated exposure to concrete dust containing respirable crystalline silica can cause 

silicosis. Silicosis is a disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease. See Note to Physician in Section 

4 for further information.

Carcinogenicity: Concrete is not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or NTP, however, concrete 

contains crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium which are classified by both organizations as 

human carcinogens.

Autoimmune Disease: Some studies indicate that exposure to respirable crystalline silica, without 

silicosis, or that silicosis itself may be associated with increased incidence of autoimmune disorders 

such as systemic lupus erythemastosus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and diseases affecting 

the kidneys.

Tuberculosis: Silicosis increases the risk of tuberculosis.

Renal Disease: Some studies show indicate an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease and 

end-stage renal disease in workers who have been exposed to Respirable crystalline silica.

Ingestion: Ingestion of small quantities of concrete is not known to be harmful however ingestion of 

large quantities can cause chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus, stomach and digestive tract. Do not 

ingest concrete.

Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Lung diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, COPD 

and pulmonary disease, or sensitivity to hexavalent chromium can be aggravated by exposure.
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Section 4 - First Aid Measures 

Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper 

and lower eyelids. Get medical aid. 

Skin: Wash skin with plenty of water and pH neutral soap. Seek immediate medical attention for rash, 

burns, irritation, dermatitis and prolonged unprotected exposure to unhardened ready mixed concrete.

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

medical aid or contact the poison control center.

Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention for 

discomfort or if coughing or other symptoms do not subside

Notes to Physician: The three types of silicosis include:

Simple Chronic Silicosis – results from long term exposures (>20 years) to low concentrations of 

respirable crystalline silica. Nodules of chronic inflammation and scarring provoked by respirable 

crystalline silica form in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. Symptoms may include breathlessness 

that may resemble chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Accelerated Silicosis – occurs after exposure to larger concentrations of respirable crystalline 

silica over a shorter period of time (5-15 years). Inflammation, scarring and symptoms progress 

more rapidly than with simple silicosis.

Acute Silicosis – results from short term exposure to very high concentrations 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 of the disease. Progressive massive fibrosis results from severe scarring and 

leads to destruction of normal lung structures.

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures 

General Information: Concrete poses no fire related hazard. A SCBA is recommended to reduce 

exposure to byproducts of combustion.

Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media that is appropriate for surrounding fire

Flash Point: Not applicable. 

Autoignition Temperature: Not available. 

Explosion Limits, Lower: Not available. 

Upper: Not available. 

NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 2; Flammability: 0; Instability0: Special Hazard: ALK
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Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures 

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8. Placed spilled 

material into an appropriate container and allow it to harden before disposal. Do not wash unhardened 

concrete into storm water or sewage systems or into bodies of water.

Disposal Methods: Allow to harden and dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and Local 

regulations.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. While 

cutting, crushing or grinding hardened concrete, minimize dust generation through suppression and 

ventilation and wear all appropriate personal protective equipment as described in Section 8.

Storage: No limitations

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection 

Engineering Controls: Minimize splashing through concrete discharge flow rates. While cutting, crushing 

or grinding hardened concrete, minimize dust generation through suppression and ventilation methods.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and 

face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or 29 CFR 1926.103. 

Skin: Wear appropriate protective clothing, boots and gloves to prevent skin exposure. 

Respirators: No respiratory protection is necessary for unhardened concrete. When exposed to concrete 

dust, wear a NIOSH approved respirator and follow a respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 

29 CFR 1910.134 or 29 CFR 1926.103

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties 

Physical State: Semi-fluid, flowable paste

Appearance: varies (usually grey)

Odor: odorless 

pH: 12-13

Vapor Pressure: Not available

Vapor Density: Not available

Evaporation Rate: Not available 

Viscosity: Not available. 

Boiling Point: Not Available

Freezing/Melting Point: Not available

Decomposition Temperature: Not available
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Solubility: Slightly (0.1 -1.0%)

Specific Gravity/Density: 1.9 – 2.4

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity 

Chemical Stability: Hardened concrete is completely stable. With unhardened concrete, avoid contact 

with incompatible materials

Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Unhardened concrete is alkaline and is incompatible with 

acids, ammonium salts and aluminum metals. Portland cement dissolves in hydrofluoric acid and produces 

silicon tetrafluoride gas. Portland cement reacts with water to form silicates which in turn react with 

powerful oxidizers such as fluorine, boron triflouride, chlorine triflouride, manganese triflouride and 

oxygen diflouride.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: None

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur. 

Section 11 - Toxicological Information 

RTECS#: 

CAS# 7632-00-0: RA1225000; RA1425000 

LD50/LC50:

CAS# 7632-00-0:

 Draize test, rabbit, eye: 500 mg/24H Mild;

 Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 5.5 mg/m3/4H;

 Oral, mouse: LD50 = 175 mg/kg;

 Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 186 mg/kg;

 Oral, rat: LD50 = 180 mg/kg;

Carcinogenicity:

CAS# 7632-00-0: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, or CA Prop 65.

Epidemiology: Oral, rat: TDLo = 2190 gm/kg/2Y-C (Tumorigenic - Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria -

Gastrointestinal - tumors).; Oral, rat: TD = 91 gm/kg/2Y-C (Tumorigenic - equivocal tumorigenic agent by 

RTECS criteria - Skin and Appendages - tumors and Reproductive - Tumorigenic effects - testicular 

tumors).; Oral, rat: TD = 40 gm/kg/56W-C - (Tumorigenic - neoplastic by RTECS criteria - Liver -

tumors). 

Teratogenicity: Oral, rat: TDLo = 660 mg/kg (female 1-22 day(s) after conception) Effects on Embryo or 

Fetus - fetal death and Effects on Newborn - growth statistics (e.g.%, reduced weight gain).; Oral, rat: 

TDLo = 10280 mg/kg (female 1-22 day(s) after conception and lactating female 20 day(s) post-birth) 

Effects on Newborn - weaning or lactation index (e.g., # alive at weaning per # alive at day 4).; 

Oral,mouse: TDLo = 280 mg/kg (female 1-14 day(s) after conception) Specific Developmental 

Abnormalities - blood and lymphatic systems (including spleen and marrow). 

Reproductive Effects: Oral, mouse: TDLo = 1200 mg/kg (female 6-15 day(s) after conception) Fertility -

pre-implantation mortality (e.g. reduction in number of implants per female; total number of implants per 

corpora lutea).; Oral, mouse: TDLo = 1680 mg/kg (male 14 day(s) pre-mating) Fertility - male fertility 

index (e.g. # males impregnating females per # males exposed to fertile nonpregnant females).; Oral, 

mouse: TDLo = 840 mg/kg (male 14 day(s) pre-mating) Paternal Effects - spermatogenesis (incl. genetic 

material, sperm morphology, motility, and count). 

Mutagenicity: Unscheduled DNA Synthesis: Human, HeLa cell = 6 mmol/L.; DNA Inhibition: Human, 
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Fibroblast = 2000 ppm.; DNA Inhibition: Human Cells - not otherwise specified = 725 umol/L. 

Neurotoxicity: No information found 

Section 12 - Ecological Information 

Ecotoxicity: Fish: Rainbow trout: LC50 = 0.19-0.39 mg/L; 96 Hr; Flow-through bioassay Fish: Mosquito 

Fish: TLm =8.1 ppm; 24 Hr; Highly turbid water Fish: Creek chub: Critical range = 400-2000 ppm; 24 Hr; 

Detroit River No data available. 

Environmental: In water sodium nitrite dissociates completely and under aerobic conditions the nitrite 

ions are oxidized to nitrates. 

Physical: No information available. 

Other: Harmful to aquatic life in very low concentrations. 

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations 

Chemical waste generators must determine whether a discarded chemical is classified as a hazardous 

waste. US EPA guidelines for the classification determination are listed in 40 CFR Parts 261.3. Additionally, 

waste generators must consult state and local hazardous waste regulations to ensure complete and 

accurate classification. 

RCRA P-Series: None listed. 

RCRA U-Series: None listed. 

Section 14 - Transport Information 

US DOT Canada TDG

Shipping Name: PT-1609 PT-1609

Hazard Class: 5.1(6.1) 5.1(6.1)

UN Number: UN1500 UN1500

Packing Group: III III

Section 15 - Regulatory Information 

US FEDERAL

TSCA

 CAS# 7632-00-0 is listed on the TSCA inventory. 

Health & Safety Reporting List

 None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List. 

Chemical Test Rules

 None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test Rule. 

Section 12b

 None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b. 
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TSCA Significant New Use Rule

 None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA. 

CERCLA Hazardous Substances and corresponding RQs

 CAS# 7632-00-0: 100 lb final RQ; 45.4 kg final RQ 

SARA Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances

 none of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ. 

SARA Codes

 CAS # 7632-00-0: immediate, delayed, fire. 

Section 313

 This material contains Sodium nitrite (CAS# 7632-00-0, >97%), which is subject to the 

reporting requirements of Section 313 of SARA Title III and 40 CFR Part 373. 

Clean Air Act:

 This material does not contain any hazardous air pollutants. 

 This material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors. 

 This material does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors. 

Clean Water Act:

 CAS# 7632-00-0 is listed as a Hazardous Substance under the CWA. 

 None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA. 

 None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA. 

OSHA:

 None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly hazardous by OSHA. 

State

CAS# 7632-00-0 can be found on the following state right to know lists: California, New Jersey, 

Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

California Prop 65

 No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this product are listed. 

Section 16 - Additional Information 

MSDS Creation Date: 4/14/2011

No warranty, expressed or implied, or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise is 

made, except that the products herein discussed comply with the chemical descriptions on the labels. 

Buyer assumes risks of use, storage and handling. USC Technologies, Inc. shall not be liable for any 

incidental or consequential damages arising directly or indirectly in connection with the purchase, use, 

storage and handling of this product.

The information above is, to the best of our knowledge true and accurate and represents the best 

information currently available to us. However, all recommendations or suggestions are made without 

guarantee, since the conditions of use are beyond our control. We disclaim any liability incurred in 

connection with these data or suggestions. This information is not to be taken as a license to operate 

under, or a recommendation to infringe any patent(s). The observance of all regulations and patents is the 

responsibility of the user. No agent, representative or employee of this company is authorized to vary any 

terms of this notice