* The greatest exposures to beryllium occur in the workplace (i.e., where it is mined, processed, or converted into alloys and chemicals). (1)

* Individuals may also be exposed by inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes from the burning of coal or fuel oil and in tobacco smoke, by the ingestion of many fruits and vegetables and water, or through natural occurrence in soils. (1)

* The average concentration of beryllium measured in the air in the United States during the 1980s was 0.03 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3). Ambient concentrations measured in 50 cities between 1977 and 1981 were 0.1-0.4 ng/m3. (1)

Assessing Personal Exposure

* Beryllium levels can be measured in urine and blood, but the levels in urine are quite variable, making it difficult to use these levels to assess total exposure. (1)

* Beryllium levels in tissues can be measured through biopsy procedures, however the relationship to exposure is not well documented. (1)

* A medical test, termed the antigen-specific lymphocyte transformation test, can be used to measure hypersensitivity in individuals previously exposed to beryllium and can also be used to diagnose chronic beryllium disease. (1)

Health Hazard Information

Acute Effects:

* Acute inhalation exposure to high levels of beryllium has been observed to cause inflammation of the lungs and acute pneumonitis (reddening and swelling of the lungs) in humans; after exposure ends, these symptoms may be reversible. (1-4)

* Acute animal tests have demonstrated beryllium compounds to vary in acute toxicity, ranging from high to extreme acute toxicity from oral exposure. (5)

Chronic Effects (Noncancer):

* Chronic occupational exposure of humans to beryllium by inhalation has been reported to cause chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis), in which granulomatous lesions (noncancerous) develop in the lung. The onset of these effects may be delayed by 3 months to more than 20 years. Symptoms of chronic beryllium disease include irritation of the mucous membranes, reduced lung capacity, shortness of breath, fatigue, anorexia, dyspnea, malaise, and weight loss. (1-4)

* Chronic inhalation exposure has also been observed to cause immunological effects in humans and animals. (1-3)

* A skin allergy may result from dermal exposure to beryllium. Eye contact with beryllium dust has been observed to cause acute conjunctivitis in humans. (1)