Beryllium Exposure Studies and Testing

Beryllium is a metal used in many industries, including aerospace, defense and nuclear weapons production. Inhaling beryllium as dust or fumes from machining or manufacturing activities can cause sensitivity in some individuals that can evolve into chronic beryllium disease (CBD), formerly known as berylliosis.

CBD leads to the development of small, inflammatory nodules in the lungs called granulomas, which reduce the ability of the lungs to process gases and cause the patient to cough and experience shortness of breath. Other symptoms of CBD are chest pain, joint aches, weight loss and fever.

Workers who have been—or potentially could have been—exposed to beryllium should receive the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). The BeLPT serves as a key component to identify workers who are reacting to beryllium and who are at greater risk of developing CBD.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) manages a comprehensive program for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to assess the health effects of DOE operations on employees exposed to airborne beryllium. The program encompasses: