Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-calcining electrode material for electric arc furnaces, containing one or more carbon components and a binder, wherein the binder is hard bitumen and having a needle penetration at 25° C. according to DIN EN 1426 of <50 [per 0.1 mm] and/or a softening point (ring and ball) according to DIN EN 1 427 of at least 65° C. and/or having a density at 25° C. according to DIN EN 52004 of 0.5 to 2 g/cm3, wherein the electrode material has a PAH content of <500 ppm. The hard bitumen is preferably derived by flash distillation from soft and medium-hard bitumen types and has a high sulfur content.