Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

QCL PORTLAND AND BLENDED CEMENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Hydraulic binder used for mixing concrete, concrete masonry, mortars and grouts; also soil
stabilisation.

SYNONYMS

"Type GP - General Purpose Portland Cement", "Type HE - High Early Strength Cement",
"Type LH - Low Heat Cement (Thermo-Sure)", "Type SR - Sulfate Resisting Cement (Sulpha-
Sure)", "Type GB - General Purpose Blended Cement (Fly Ash)", "Type GP - Ivory Off-White
Cement", "Type GB - Blast Furnace Slag (BFC) Blended Cement", "Type GB - (Marine Cement
Sea Sure)", "Type SL - (Shrinkage Limited Cement)", "Type SL - (Struct-Sure)", "Q Cement",
"Queensland Cement"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  Handling wet cement can cause dermatitis. Cement when wet is quite alkaline and this alkali action on the skin contributes strongly to cement contact dermatitis since it may cause drying and defatting of the skin which is followed by hardening, cracking, lesions developing, possible infections of lesions and penetration by soluble salts.  Cement contact dermatitis (CCD) may occur when contact shows an allergic response, which may progress to sensitization. Sensitization is due to soluble chromates (chromate compounds) present in trace amounts in some cements, cement products. Soluble chromates readily penetrate intact skin. Cement dermatitis can be characterized by fissures, eczematous rash, dystrophic nails, and dry skin; acute contact with highly alkaline mixtures may cause localized necrosis.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Cement eczema may be due to chromium in feed stocks or contamination from  materials of construction. Sensitisation to chromium may be the leading  cause of nickel and cobalt sensitivity and the high alkalinity of cement  is an important factor in cement dermatoses [ILO].  Repeated, prolonged severe inhalation exposure may cause pulmonary oedema  and rarely, pulmonary fibrosis. Workers may also suffer from dust-induced  bronchitis with chronic bronchitis reported in 17% of a group  occupationally exposed to high dust levels.  Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function were studied in a group of  591 male Portland cement workers employed in four Taiwanese cement  plants, with at least 5 years of exposure (1). This group had a significantly  lowered mean forced vital capacity (FCV), forced expiratory volume at 1 s  (FEV1) and forced expiratory flows after exhalation of 50% and 75% of the  vital capacity (FEF50, FEF75). The data suggests that occupational  exposure to Portland cement dust may lead to a higher incidence of chronic  respiratory symptoms and a reduction of ventilatory capacity.  Chun-Yuh et al; Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 49:      581-588, 1996