| Agent Name |
Beryllium and compounds |
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| CAS Number |
7440-41-7; varies |
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| Formula |
Be, varies |
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| Major Category |
Metals |
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| Synonyms |
Bertrandite & beryl (mineral rocks); Beryllium compounds |
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| Category |
Elements, Metallic |
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| Description |
Metal: A hard, brittle, gray-white solid; |
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| Sources/Uses |
MINING AND METALLURGY: Alloy production; Recycle scrap;
MANUFACTURING: Nuclear absorbents; Aircraft engines, guidance systems and brakes; X-ray tube windows; Turbine reactor blades; Dental castings and prostheses; Tool & die; Sporting goods; Electrical and electronic components; High-tech ceramics including armor for military vehicles; Products from beryllium-copper alloys including springs, connectors, switches, bearings, nonsparking tools, radar, home appliances, integrated circuits, etc.
USING: Weld, cut, grind, or machine Be alloys;
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| Comments |
Ores (beryl, euclase, phenakite, chrysoberyl, and bertrandite) are not known to cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), but epidemiology studies of miners have not been done. Alloys of beryllium including copper, aluminum, and nickel containing 1-4 % beryllium can cause CBD. Acute pneumonitis from beryllium was seen in the 1940s and 1950s when workplace exposures were higher. [Harber, Chap 29] Beryllium workers have an increased risk of lung cancer. [Rom, p. 1033] The granulomas of CBD can affect not only the lungs, but also the liver, spleen, heart, and lymph nodes. CBD can cause liver enlargement and elevated liver enzymes. [ATSDR Case Studies #19] CBD patients may develop chronic kidney disease from granulomas in the kidneys. Up to 30% of patients with CBD develop kidney stones. [LaDou, p. 370-1] |
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| Restricted |
Use in fluorescent and neon lamp industries was banned in the 1960's. |
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| Reference Link |
OSHA Technical Links: Beryllium |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
0.002 mg/m3, as Be |
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| STEL (ACGIH) |
0.01 mg/m3, as Be |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
0.002 mg/m3, as Be, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.005 mg/m3, as Be(0.025 mg/m3,as Be,for 30 min.peak per 8-hr shift) |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
4 mg/m3, as Be |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH. |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Melting Point = 2349 degrees F; See 2008 Notice of Intended Changes. [ACGIH] |
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| Half Life |
Several years; [TDR, p. 184] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Beryllium |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Fibrogenic |
Yes |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Known Carcinogen |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: BERYLLIUM COMPOUNDS BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL
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