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What is beryllium sensitization?

Beryllium sensitization is an “allergic” condition to beryllium that can develop after a person breathes beryllium dust or fumes. Some researchers think it might also occur if beryllium penetrates the skin through an open cut or from a beryllium splinter.

In individuals with beryllium sensitization, the immune system sees beryllium as a “foreign invader,” and builds an “army” of cells in the bloodstream that are prepared to react to beryllium wherever they see it in the body. These cells can be found in the blood using a blood test called the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT).

What are the symptoms of beryllium sensitization?

Beryllium sensitization does not have any symptoms.

What is chronic beryllium disease?

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a lung condition that can develop after a person breathes beryllium dust or fumes. The immune system sees beryllium as a “foreign invader,” and builds an “army” of cells in the bloodstream that are prepared to react to beryllium wherever they see it in the body. When an individual is diagnosed with CBD, it generally means the battle between the immune system and the beryllium particles has resulted in scarring (called granulomas) in the lungs.

What are the symptoms of chronic beryllium disease (CBD)?

Individuals with CBD may not have any symptoms at first, especially if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. Patients may notice shortness of breath with walking, climbing stairs, or another activity, as well as a dry cough that will not go away. Some people may also experience fatigue, night sweats, chest and joint pain, and loss of appetite as the disease progresses.

How do you get beryllium sensitization or CBD?

It is important to know that no one develops beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease unless they are exposed to beryllium. Beryllium sensitization and CBD may develop after an individual breathes beryllium dust or fume. Not every individual who is exposed to beryllium will experience health effects. Studies have shown that on average, 2-6% of exposed workers develop sensitivity, although the rates can be as high as 20% among workers with the highest exposures, such as beryllium machinists 1,2-5. It is estimated that CBD occurs in 2 to 5% of all beryllium-exposed workers, although the rates have been shown to be as high as 16% among individuals performing certain processes, such as machinists 1,4-6. Factors such as particle size, type of beryllium used, amount and duration of exposure to beryllium, occupation, industry, and genetics may all play a role in determining why some people get sick and others do not. Once you are exposed to beryllium, you carry a lifelong risk of developing beryllium sensitization or CBD, even if the exposure amount was small or you are no longer exposed.

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