Lafarge recalls 280,000 bags of cement after health scare

Lafarge is to recall around 280,000 bags of Blue Circle cement amid fears that they contain high levels of chromium VI.

The company said the cement affected, thought to be around 7,000t in total, was produced at its Westbury Works in Wiltshire before 4 December.

However, Lafarge is unsure when the problem started, and is carrying out an internal investigation.

The bags are on sale throughout the south west.

Chromium is ever-present in cement and comes from the raw materials and fuels needed to manufacture the product. 

But Lafarge is concerned that the levels of Chromium VI in the affected bags is unusually high.

High levels of chromium can cause sensitisation if it comes into prolonged contact with unprotected skin, and may cause an allergic reaction over a period of time. 

Lafarge's managing director, Erdogan Pekenc, said: "We fully stand behind the performance of all products manufactured at Westbury. However, we have taken this precautionary measure to be proactive and transparent with our customers, and to ensure that the products we supply are of the highest quality.

"We apologise to our customers for the disruption caused by this and we are extremely grateful for their help and support at this time."

The company has already informed the Environment Agency, Trading Standards and Health and Safety Executive. 

Customers who are supplied with bagged BCC from Westbury and have any queries can contact Lafarge on 0845-470 0100.