MSDS: Lafarge Portland Cement

Page 1 of 6 Revised: 03/01/14 

Material Safety Data Sheet 

Section 1: PRODUCT AND COMPANY INFORMATION

Product Name(s): Lafarge Portland Cement (cement) 

Product Identifiers: Cement, Portland Cement, Hydraulic Cement, Oil Well Cement, Trinity® White 

Cement, Antique White Cement, Portland Limestone Cement, Portland Cement Type 

I, IA, IE, II, I/II, IIA, II L.A., III, IIIA, IV, IVA, V, VA, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, GU, GUL, MS, 

MH, HE, LH, HS, OWH, OWG Cement, OW Class G HSR 

Manufacturer: Information Telephone Number: 

Lafarge North America Inc. 773-372-1000 (9am to 5pm CST) 

8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 300 Emergency Telephone Number: 

Chicago, IL 60631 1-800-451-8346 (3E Hotline) 

Product Use: Cement is used as a binder in concrete and mortars that are widely used in 

construction. Cement is distributed in bags, totes and bulk shipment. 

Note: This MSDS covers many types of Portland cement. Individual composition of 

hazardous constituents will vary between types of Portland cement. 

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* 100 65997-15-1 15 (T); 5 (R) 1 (R) NA NA

Calcium Sulfate* 2-10 13397-24-5 15 (T); 5 (R) 10 (T) NA NA

Calcium Carbonate* 0-15 1317-65-3 15 (T); 5 (R) 3 (R), 10 (T) NA NA

Calcium Oxide 0-5 1305-78-8 5 (T) 2 (T) 3059 mg/kg NA 

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

Crystalline Silica 0-0.2 14808-60-7 [(10) / (%SiO2+2)] (R); 

[(30) / (%SiO2+2)] (T) 0.025 (R) 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. For example, cement may contain 

trace amounts of calcium oxide (also known as free lime or quick lime), free magnesium oxide, potassium 

and sodium sulfate compounds, chromium compounds, nickel compounds, and other trace compounds. 

Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION 

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. 

Respiratory 

Protection

Eye 

Protection

Waterproof 

Gloves

Waterproof 

Boots
 MSDS: Lafarge Portland Cement

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Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (continued) 

Emergency Overview: Cement is a solid, grey, off white, or white 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 cement, or to dry cement 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 cement 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: Cement may cause dry skin, discomfort, irritation, severe burns, and dermatitis. 

 

 Burns: Exposure of sufficient duration to wet cement, or to dry cement 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. 

 Dermatitis: Cement 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 cement including alkalinity 

and abrasion. 

Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by sensitization to hexavalent chromium 

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

ulcers. Persons already sensitized may react to the first contact with cement. Others 

may develop allergic dermatitis after years of repeated contact with cement. 

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: Cement is not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or NTP; however, cement 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. 

 

 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. 
 MSDS: Lafarge Portland Cement

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Ingestion: Do not ingest cement. Although ingestion of small quantities of cement 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, 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 Firefighting Equipment: Cement poses no firerelated hazard. A SCBA is 

recommended to limit 

exposures to combustion 

products when fighting any 

fire. 

General Hazard: Avoid breathing dust. 

Wet cement is caustic. 

Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing 

media appropriate for 

surrounding fire. Combustion Products: None. 

 

Section 3: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (continued) 
 MSDS: Lafarge Portland Cement

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Section 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES 

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

become airborne. Avoid inhalation of cement and contact with skin. Wear 

appropriate protective equipment as described in Section 8. Scrape wet cement and 

place in container. Allow material to dry or solidify before disposal. Do not wash 

cement down sewage and drainage systems or into bodies of water (e.g. streams). 

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

Section 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE 

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

manner to prevent falling. Bagged 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 cement. Cement can buildup or adhere to the walls of a confined space. 

The 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 cement 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 cement. Thoroughly 

wash skin after exposure to dust or wet cement. 

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 cement to 

prevent contact with eyes. Wearing contact lenses when using cement, under dusty 

conditions, is not recommended. 
 MSDS: Lafarge Portland Cement

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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 cement and 

immediately wash exposed areas. 

Section 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

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

Appearance: Gray, off white or white 

powder. 

pH (in water): 12 – 13

Odor: None. Boiling Point: >1000o

 C

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

Vapor Density: NA. Viscosity: None, solid.

Specific Gravity: 3.15 Solubility in Water: Slightly (0.1 - 1.0%)

Section 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY 

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

Incompatibility: Wet cement is alkaline and is incompatible with acids, ammonium salts and 

aluminum metal. Cement dissolves in hydrofluoric acid, producing corrosive silicon 

tetrafluoride gas. 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: Lafarge Portland Cement

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 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: Portland cement 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 

CERCLA 

Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation and Liability 

Act 

NTP National Toxicology Program 

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 

IARC International Agency for Research on 

Cancer 

T Total Particulate 

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 WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials 

MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration Information System 

 

This MSDS (Sections 1-16) was revised on March 1, 2014. 

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

sections. Please direct any inquiries regarding the content of this MSDS to SDSinfo@Lafarge.com. 

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. 

Section 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION (continued)