Sponsored by

Office of Biological and Environmental Research,
The Department of Energy
in cooperation with

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and

The National Jewish Medical and Research Center

Welcome to the Beryllium Research Symposium: Basic Mechanism and Human Health, sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Sciences, in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and National Jewish Medical and Research Center. This is the second symposium DOE has supported to stimulate a dialogue among scientists, physicians, and government officials about current and productive new research into Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). CBD is a very serious progressive occupational lung disease, and its occurrence in current and former beryllium workers is of continuing interest and concern to DOE and other federal agencies. To put the issue in perspective, about 1% to 6% of exposed beryllium workers develop CBD or beryllium hypersensitivity, which can progress to CBD.

This workshop provides a unique opportunity for beryllium health-effect investigators to discuss and share the successes, problems, and challenges of their research as well as new resources and capabilities. The meeting also provides scientists and administrative staff with a chance to assess the impact of new technologies and, perhaps most important, to initiate new collaborations.

Many challenges lie ahead, particularly in understanding basic disease mechanisms. We are optimistic, nevertheless, that if we can bring to bear the increasingly sophisticated arsenal of techniques, technology, and new approaches in areas such as genomics and immunology, we can answer seminal question about the nature of CBD. Yet we cannot afford to be complacent, and workshop presenters on ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) will remind and challenge all of us that science has societal impacts that we must confront. These are real-life issues that need to be considered in the context of research, testing, and treatment with the active participation of all involved physicians and scientists.

We look forward to a very interesting and productive meeting and offer our sincere thanks to all the organizers and to you whose vision and hard work will bring to fruition our efforts to reach our ultimate goal, protecting and effectively treating beryllium workers.

 

Dr. Marvin E. Frazier, Director
Life Sciences Division
Biological and Environmental Research Program
Office of Science
U.S. Department of Energy