NAHB Board Passes Hexavalent Chromium Resolution

The Board approved a total of 16 resolutions this time, including nine that were developed by our HUD Task Force. Resolution 15 concerned portland cement and hexavalent chromium.

Resolution No: 15

Date: Oct. 1, 2004
City: Columbus, OH

NAHB Resolution
Title:  Hexavalent Chromium
Original Sponsor:  Construction Safety and Health Committee

WHEREAS, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been sued and forced by the U.S. Court of Appeals to develop a proposed rule for hexavalent chromium by Oct. 4, 2004 and a final standard by Jan. 18, 2006;

WHEREAS, manufacturers have indicated that trace amounts of hexavalent chromium compounds are found in masonry mortars and Portland Cement;

WHEREAS, the manufacturers of Portland Cement have stated that exposure to hexavalent chromium from Portland Cement is shown to be negligible;

WHEREAS, research has shown that the factors found responsible for the irritant nature of wet cement are its alkalinity and abrasiveness, not hexavalent chromium; and

WHEREAS, current regulations already require personal protective equipment for handling wet cement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association of Home Builders urge the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to exclude Portland Cement from the proposed hexavalent chromium rulemaking.

Board of Directors Action:  Approved   
Joint Executive/Resolutions Committee Action:  Recommends Approval
Resolutions Committee Action:  Recommends Approval
Construction Safety and Health Committee Action:  Recommends Approval

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