CBD only develops in those who have become sensitized to beryllium (beryllium sensitization). A sensitized person is one who has developed an allergic reaction to beryllium. A worker may become sensitized at any point during job exposure, or may not become sensitized until after leaving a job where there has been beryllium exposure. Individuals who become sensitive to beryllium may develop an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system.

While beryllium causes lung and skin disease in 2 to 10 percent of exposed workers, the general population is unlikely to develop acute or chronic beryllium disease, because ambient air levels of beryllium are normally very low. Beryllium contact with skin that has been scraped or cut may cause rashes or ulcers. Swallowing beryllium has not been reported to cause any health effects in humans because very little beryllium is absorbed from the stomach and intestines.

Beryllium as a Carcinogen (Cancer-Causing)

Long term exposure to beryllium can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have determined that beryllium is a human carcinogen (cancer-causing). However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that beryllium is a probable human carcinogen.

Beryllium and Your Family

Most families are not exposed to high levels of beryllium. However, children should avoid playing in soils near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites where beryllium may have been discarded.

There are no studies on the health effects of children exposed to beryllium. It is expected that the health effects in children are similar to those seen in adults, but it is unclear whether children are affected differently than adults in their susceptibility to beryllium.

It is unknown whether beryllium exposure results in birth defects or other developmental effects. The studies conducted in animals have not been conclusive.