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Beryllium is a metal that is found in
nature, especially in beryl and bertrandite rock. It is extremely
lightweight and hard, is a good conductor of electricity and heat,
and is non-magnetic. These properties make beryllium suitable for
many industrial uses, including: metal working (pure
beryllium, copper and aluminum alloys, jet brake pads, aerospace
components); ceramic manufacturing (semi-conductor chips,
ignition modules, crucibles, jet engine blades, rocket covers);
electronic applications (transistors, heat sinks, x-ray
windows); atomic energy applications (heat shields, nuclear
reactors, nuclear weapons); laboratory work (research and
development, metallurgy, chemistry); extraction (ore and
scrap metal); and dental alloys (crowns, bridges, dental
plates); and sporting goods (golf clubs, bicycle frames).
CHRONIC BERYLLIUM DISEASE
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) primarily affects the lungs. CBD may
occur among people who are exposed to the dust or fumes from
beryllium metal, metal oxides, alloys, ceramics or salts. It occurs
when people inhale beryllium in these forms. CBD usually has a very
slow onset, and even very small amounts of exposure to beryllium can
cause the disease in some people. In some cases, CBD develops while
workers are still on the job, but in others it may not develop until
many years after a person has stopped working in the beryllium
industry, or has been transferred to a job that does not involve
beryllium exposure. The amount or length of exposure to beryllium
necessary to cause a specific individual to develop CBD is not
known, but recent information suggests that exposure below OSHA's 2
micrograms/m3 TWA PEL over a very short time (weeks or
months) can lead to CBD in some workers.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Beryllium Disease
Workers with advanced CBD may have one or more of the following
symptoms: unexplained cough; shortness of breath, especially with
activity; fatigue; weight loss or loss of appetite; fever; or night
sweats. However, because the disease may develop slowly over a
period of many years, workers may have the disease for a long time
without knowing it.
ACUTE BERYLLIUM DISEASE
Acute beryllium disease usually has a quick onset and has symptoms
that resemble those of pneumonia or bronchitis. The acute form of
the disease is believed to occur as a result of exposures well above
the current PEL. This form of beryllium disease is now rare.
CANCER
Studies of workers exposed to beryllium have demonstrated
significantly elevated risks of lung cancer. The International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the expert cancer agency of
the World Health Organization, has concluded that exposure to
beryllium can cause lung cancer in humans.
SKIN DISEASE
A skin disease, which is characterized by poor wound healing and a
rash or wart-like bumps, can occur as a result of the skin being
exposed to beryllium dust.
WHAT TO DO
If you work in a place where beryllium is used
and have developed any of the symptoms listed below, you should
inform your health care professional of your past beryllium
exposure, or seek information from a health care professional who
specializes in occupational lung diseases to determine whether you
may have developed CBD:
- unexplained cough,
- shortness of breath,
- fatigue,
- weight loss or loss of appetite,
- fevers, and/or
- skin rash.
If you do not have any of the above symptoms
but are concerned that you may have become sensitized to beryllium,
you should inform your health care professional that you would like
to be tested with the blood BeLPT. Take a copy of this Hazard
Information Bulletin with you.
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