The Beryllium Thread

[Simplex3]

I'm putting this in here so that it won't hang around the top of the lounge while I cut and paste information in to post after post.

This is part of my ongoing offseaon attempt to get us ranked on the first page of some search engine(s) when nerds search for "beryllium".

Before you PM me with "Why?", the answer is simply that I am sitting around reading log files at work and cutting and pasting into this thread requires absolutely NO mental stress.

[Simplex3]

Beryllium Disease

[Simplex3]

What is Beryllium?

[Simplex3]

Beryllium is a naturally occurring metal within the environment. This metal has many characteristics that make it optimal for industrial use. Some of these characteristics include that is it lightweight, hard, a good electrical conductor, a good thermal conductor, and it is non-magnetic. There are many industries that currently use beryllium or have used beryllium in the past; these industries include: metal-working (jet brake pads and aerospace components), ceramic manufacturing (jet engine blades and rocket covers), electronics (X-ray windows), atomic energy industry (nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons), laboratory work (chemistry), extraction (ore and scrap metal), and dental work (alloys in crowns, bridges, and dental plates). As can be seen by the many industries that may use beryllium, there are many people who may be risk of exposure. This high risk of exposure is a public health concern.

[Simplex3]

What is Beryllium Disease?

[Simplex3]

Beryllium Disease can be categorized into two types. The first type is Acute Beryllium Disease. This type is characterized by quick onset and its symptoms resemble that of pneumonia or bronchitis. Breathing in relatively high concentrations of beryllium dust or beryllium metal fumes can cause Acute Beryllium Disease. This type of beryllium disease is rare due to protective measures that are now in place in industry.

[Simplex3]

The second type of beryllium disease is Chronic Beryllium Disease. This type of beryllium disease is characterized by very slow onset. The time of onset can range from four months to forty years. Chronic Beryllium Disease is caused by an allergic reaction to beryllium. An individual may develop a sensitization to beryllium and from there may develop an allergic reaction. One to six percent of individuals exposed to beryllium will develop a sensitization to beryllium. Once a person has been exposed to beryllium the individual has a life long risk of developing the disease. In addition, beryllium has recently been categorized as a carcinogen by the IARC-Agency for Research on Cancer, and therefore, may also cause lung disease in some individuals. Finally, some people may develop a skin disease characterized by poor wound healing and a rash or wart like bumps. Skin disease can result from exposure of the skin to beryllium dust.

[Simplex3]

Who is at Risk for Beryllium Disease?

[Simplex3]

Anyone who has been exposed to beryllium is at risk for developing the disease. The primary mode of exposure is the work place. Anyone who works in an industry that uses beryllium is at risk for exposure. In addition, however, a person may be at risk for secondary exposure. Those at risk for secondary exposure include coworkers, support or maintenance staff at a plant using beryllium, and the beryllium workers family members. Family members are at risk because the worker may be bringing home beryllium dust on his or her shoes and clothing. Finally, there is a chance of environmental exposure. In the US the average concentration of beryllium in the air is approximately 0.03 nanograms per cubic meter, which is very low. However, individuals living near a plant or industry using beryllium may be at an increased risk of exposure because the amount of beryllium can go up to 0.2 nanograms per cubic meter. In addition, individuals living near hazardous landfill sites that may contain high concentrations of beryllium may also be at a higher risk of exposure than the general population.

[Simplex3]

As previously mentioned, once an individual is exposed to beryllium he or she has a life long chance of developing the disease. The disease develops in one to six percent of those exposed to the element. Also, recent genetic research has shown that approximately 40% of the population has a genetic marker that has been associated with susceptibility to beryllium disease.

[Simplex3]

What are the Symptoms of Beryllium Disease?

[Simplex3]

Symptoms of beryllium disease may include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss and/or loss of appetite, fevers and night sweats. There are some additional signs that may be noticed by your primary care physician which include abnormal lung sounds, many small lung scars on a chest X-ray, abnormal breathing tests, allergy to beryllium, and granuloma on lung or skin tissue.

[Simplex3]

Is There Testing for Beryllium Disease?

[Simplex3]

Yes, there is testing for beryllium disease. The disease can either be identified by chest X-ray or by a blood test. The blood test is preferable because it can usually detect abnormalities sooner than a chest X-ray. The blood test given is a Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test. This test is designed to measure how lymphocytes in the blood react to beryllium. If the test comes back positive then the individual is sensitized to beryllium.

[Simplex3]

Is There Treatment for Beryllium Disease?

[Simplex3]

There is treatment for those individuals who have developed beryllium disease. Treatment is done by administering prednisone, a steroid. This medication will help fight inflammation and stabilize the disease. It will also help to alleviate the symptoms of beryllium disease. However, if an individual is sensitized to beryllium but does not have beryllium disease there is no treatment. Likewise if a person has early beryllium disease but no symptoms, he or she may not need treatment. Beryllium disease treatment is effective, but to date there is no cure for beryllium disease.