Beryllium Exposure and Disease

JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2012

Beryllium, a strong, lightweight metal, has been used for years by the Department of Energy (DOE) in the production of nuclear weapons and is also found in the aerospace, electronic and non-ferrous smelting and foundry industries, including aluminum smelting or casting.

• Workers exposed to particles, fumes, mists, or solutions from beryllium-containing materials may develop beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a potentially disabling, even fatal respiratory disease.
• While a single exposure may create the allergic reaction that triggers the disease, CBD can sometimes take years to develop after the first exposure to beryllium.
• Symptoms may appear similar to pneumonia or bronchitis; in order to confirm the disease it is necessary to perform a blood test.

For more information about beryllium exposure such as the government’s program to provide benefits to current and former nuclear weapons program employees and current and former beryllium workers, go to the Hazard Alert section of CPWR’s website, www.cpwr.com/rp-hazardalerts.html and select Beryllium.