For information on how to stop smoking, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. They have information on smoking cessation programs in your local area.

They also have free information on the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers. The American Lung Association has programs to help you stop smoking. For information, call them at 1-800-LUNG-USA. They can also direct you to doctors that treat lung diseases.

Exposure to Beryllium

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration'spermissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium exposure is 0.002 mg/cubic meter (2µg/m3) averaged over 8 hrs.

However, because NIOSH believes that beryllium is a potential workplace cancer causing agent, it recommends the lowest possible exposure. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) is 0.0005 mg/cubic meter (.5µg/m3) for beryllium.

Other Sources of Information

The National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine in Denver, Colorado does research on chronic beryllium disease.

Their toll free number provides information about lung diseases. If you have questions about chronic beryllium disease or lungcancer, call them at 1-800-222-LUNG.

For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, call The National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.

If you, your doctor, or members of your family have any questions, or would like a copy of the technical reports, call NIOSH at 1-800-356-4674.

For Your Doctor

This sheet contains technical information for your doctor.

Introduction

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted two retrospective cohort mortality studies, a workplace study of employees exposed to beryllium compounds and a registry study of patients who had beryllium disease.

Your patient was a subject of the workplace study. He was employed by a beryllium manufacturer in the past and may continue to be exposed to beryllium. Your patient can provide you with information about his exposure history.