Lafarge has recalled 1500t of Blue Circle cement over fears it contains higher than normal levels of chromium VI. The company is recalling 280,000 bags in total from DIY outlets and builders’ merchants and has so far taken back 30,000 bags.

Of the recalled bags most were found to contain no chromium at all, with just one containing four parts per million of chromium VI. The chromium in cement can cause dermatitis when cement is mixed with water.
The limit for chromium, set in cement health and safety guidelines (COSHH) introduced in 2005, is two parts per million.