Beryllium: Dangers with Use
Beryllium is a metal that is used in various industries due to its unique properties. It is lightweight, strong, and has excellent thermal conductivity. Beryllium is used in nuclear reactors, electronic devices, aerospace components, and various other applications.
Despite its usefulness, beryllium is dangerous and toxic. In this article, we will discuss the dangers associated with the use of beryllium, its health effects, and how it is regulated under U.S. law.
Sources of Beryllium Exposure
Beryllium is found in nature, but it is relatively rare. It is found in the earth’s crust, soil, and rocks. However, the primary source of beryllium in the environment is industrial processes.
Beryllium is often used in the manufacturing of machinery and equipment, such as nuclear reactors, aerospace components, and electronic devices. These processes can release beryllium into the air, water, and soil.
Workers in industries that use beryllium are at the highest risk of exposure. These workers can inhale beryllium dust or fumes, or have skin contact with beryllium-containing materials.
Occupational Exposure Limits
To protect workers from the dangers of beryllium, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for beryllium.
The current OEL for beryllium is 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m³) for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). This limit was set in 2018 and is significantly lower than the previous OEL of 2.0 μg/m³.
OSHA requires employers to monitor beryllium exposure in the workplace and take measures to control exposure. Employers must also provide adequate personal protective equipment and training to workers who use beryllium-containing materials.
Health Effects of Beryllium Exposure
Exposure to beryllium can cause a variety of health effects. The severity of these effects depends on the level and duration of exposure.
Acute Effects
Acute exposure to high levels of beryllium can cause chemical pneumonitis, a type of lung inflammation. Symptoms of chemical pneumonitis include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Chronic Effects
Chronic exposure to low levels of beryllium can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a type of lung disease that can be debilitating and even fatal.
CBD is an immune-mediated disease that affects the lungs and lymph nodes. Symptoms of CBD include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and weight loss. In severe cases, CBD can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which lung tissue becomes scarred and damaged.
The only way to diagnose CBD is through a lung biopsy or lymph node biopsy. There is no cure for CBD, and the only treatment is to manage symptoms.
Beryllium Sensitization
Beryllium sensitization is a precursor to CBD. It occurs when a person is exposed to beryllium and develops an immune response to the metal.
Beryllium sensitization can occur even at low levels of exposure. Once sensitized, a person is at risk of developing CBD if they continue to be exposed to beryllium.
Preventing Beryllium Exposure
The best way to prevent beryllium exposure is to limit exposure at the source. Employers can use engineering controls, such as ventilation systems or enclosed workspaces, to contain beryllium dust and fumes.
Personal protective equipment, such as respirators and protective clothing, can also help prevent exposure. However, these measures should be used in conjunction with engineering controls, not as a substitute.
Workers who use beryllium-containing materials should receive training on how to handle and use the materials safely. They should also be aware of the symptoms of beryllium sensitization and CBD.
Regulation of Beryllium
Beryllium is regulated under multiple U.S. laws and regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act.
In 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule for beryllium exposure in the workplace. The rule lowered the OEL for beryllium and established requirements for monitoring exposure, providing personal protective equipment, and training workers.
In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule for beryllium emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule established limits on emissions and required power plants to install pollution control technology.
In addition to federal regulations, some states have their own regulations for beryllium. For example, California has a lower OEL for beryllium than the federal OEL.
Conclusion
Beryllium is a useful metal with unique properties. However, it is also dangerous and toxic. Workers in industries that use beryllium are at the highest risk of exposure.
To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set an occupational exposure limit for beryllium. Employers must monitor exposure, provide personal protective equipment, and train workers.
Exposure to beryllium can cause acute and chronic health effects, including CBD and beryllium sensitization. The best way to prevent exposure is to limit it at the source, through engineering controls and personal protective equipment.
Overall, beryllium remains an important material for various industries but its use must be carefully monitored to prevent potential hazards to workers and the environment.
What is Beryllium?
Beryllium is an element designated number 4 on the periodic table. Its atomic symbol is Be.
Beryllium is used primarily in the aerospace industry due to its high flexibility, thermal stability and conductivity. It is often used in the production of missiles, aircraft, space vehicles and communication satellites. Due to its transparency to X-rays it is often found as a material used for X-ray equipment.
What are the dangers associated with Beryllium?
Beryllium is a highly toxic substance when handled. Depending on the frequency, duration and amount of beryllium an individual is exposed to, it can be highly dangerous. It is classified as a level 1 carcinogen, in that it causes cancer in animals, and when handling the element the utmost care should be involved. Prolonged exposure to Beryllium can cause berylliosis.
What is Berylliosis?
Berylliosis is a chronic lung condition caused by exposure to beryllium. They symptoms of berylliosis include coughing and shortness of breath; chest pain; joint aches; weight loss; and fever. Often times berylliosis takes on the same symptoms as other chronic lung diseases such as tuberculosis and sacroidosis. It may take up to ten years for the symptoms of berylliosis to become present although one incidence of exposure can trigger berylliosis.
Lawsuits
In 2006 a class action lawsuit brought by workers exposed to Beryllium was brought against Lockheed Martin, an aerospace manufacturer, claiming that the workers developed berylliosis from their prolonged exposure to Beryllium while working for Lockheed Martin. In a state court in Georgia the claim was dismissed for failure to state a claim. The court reasoned that the plaintiffs only alleged “Beryllium desensitization” and that their conditions did not manifest into anything that was actionable. The court went on to conclude that strictly because one is sensitive to their exposure to Beryllium does not necessarily mean that they have berylliosis.
In summary it can be said that the action was not ripe and if the plaintiffs had developed diagnosable berylliosis the court may not have dismissed the action.
As of 2006 Boeing employees were assembling to file a class action suit against the company for exposure to Beryllium and their subsequent diagnosis with berylliosis. It is undetermined whether their conditions will amount to, what the earlier Georgia court found, “Beryllium sensitivity” or whether the plaintiffs have full scale berylliosis.
What to do if exposed to Beryllium?
If you or someone you known has been exposed to Beryllium either intentionally or unintentionally it could result in berylliosis. It is important that you get diagnosed immediately if you develop any of the symptoms associated with the illness, as described above. Where the symptoms of berylliosis may take years to manifest, it is important that you do not sleep on your rights. The statute of limitations for injury actions; toxic torts in this situation, have a specified time frame that is delegated by the states. Consult an attorney about your rights and about the possibility of an action for damages.
