Release of hexavalent chromium from cement collected in Honduras and Sweden.

Hexavalent chromium in cement 5-8 mg/kg hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was found in Honduran cement samples, which was slightly higher than in Swedish samples. Variable amounts of Cr(VI) (0.4 and 4.7 mg/kg) found in Swedish cement samples that were older than 1 year. There are still many countries that do not have a compulsory reduction of Cr(VI) in cement. Several measures can be employed to reduce risks related to Cr(VI) in cement.