Metehan Yazıcıoğlu
Deputy General Manager
CPC Belgelendirme
“Within the framework of the Customs Union and EU Harmonization Laws, many regulations have been published, particularly the Construction Materials Regulation, concerning the cement industry. One of the regulations concerning cement is the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. This regulation entered into force with its publication in the Official Gazette dated 23 June 2017 and numbered 30105. It is the equivalent of the REACH
regulation published by the EU Commission in 2006.
Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Annex 17 input 47 limits the amount of Chromium VI (Cr6+) contained in cement and cement-containing products to 2 ppm (0.0002% – 2 mg/kg), and this provision of the regulation will be valid from 01.01.2022. As stated in the Paragraphs of the Related Entry, this rule applies only to cements sold in packages (in Kraft bags), and in case of using a reducing agent that limits the amount of Chromium VI, information regarding the packaging date, shelf life and storage conditions should be stated on the bag.
The Chromium VI content in cement is mainly derived from the raw material and secondarily from the rotary kiln refractory lattices, and is formed in the high temperature and oxygenated environment in the rotary kiln. In this context, it is important to control the chromium content of alternative raw materials and fuels. In addition, alloy mill balls and plates containing chromium also cause Chromium VI formation in cement. Chromium VI has three main effects on humans and the environment;
• Due to high pH; Irritation-related eczema
• Depending on Chromium VI dissolved in water; allergic eczema
• Depending on Chromium VI dissolved in water; Long lasting toxic effect in the aquatic environment
Soluble Chromium VI content in cement can be reduced by process and raw material control. However, in order to minimize the Chromium VI in the final product (cement) supplied to the market, the use of reducing agents is required. Various reducing agents such as Iron Sulphate, Tin Chloride, Antimony Trioxide are used for this purpose.
While the rate of bagged cement produced in our country in 2020 is 20% in domestic sales, it is 14% in exports. In other words, 20% of the total amount of cement produced in our country and bagged cement going to EU countries for export are within the scope of Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, so the packaging date, shelf life and storage conditions should be stated on the packages.
In addition, in accordance with the Regulation on Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, there must be information on the bag regarding Chromium VI.
Chromium VI in cement can be measured quantitatively with the analysis methods defined in the TS EN 196-10 standard. Basically, the described analysis methods are based on the determination of the mortar prepared with cement with the help of spectrophotometer after the intervention in the water. Apart from this standard, various instrumental analysis methods are also available.
In Annex A of the TS EN 196-10 standard, it is stated that Chromium VI measurements should be evaluated by an authorized third party organization. As CPC Certification, we are accredited by Türkak according to the TS EN 196- 10 standard for the evaluation of the amount of Chromium VI, and we aim to be a solution partner for the needs of the cement manufacturer in this regard.”
