Beryllium Overview
What is Beryllium?
Beryllium is a brittle, steel-gray metal found as a component of coal, oil, certain rock minerals, volcanic dust, and soil. Because beryllium is a light weight metal and extremely stiff in its elemental form, it has several applications in the aerospace, nuclear, and manufacturing industries. Additionally, beryllium is a versatile metal alloy used in automobiles, computers, sports equipment (golf clubs and bicycle frames), in dental appliances, non-sparking tools, wheelchairs, and electronic gadgets.
Beryllium and the Environment
Beryllium dust enters the air from burning coal and oil, and eventually settles over land and water. Beryllium can also enter water from erosion of rocks and soil, and from industrial waste. Some beryllium compounds will dissolve in water, but most stick to particles and settle to the bottom. While most beryllium remains bound to soil, it does not accumulate in the food chain.
Beryllium Exposure
Beryllium exposure varies among different segments of the population. The general population is exposed to normally low levels of beryllium in air, food, and water. People working in industries where beryllium is mined, processed, machined, or converted into metal, alloys, and other chemicals, may be exposed to high levels of beryllium. People living near these industries or near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites may also be exposed to higher than normal levels of beryllium.
Beryllium Health Effects
Beryllium can be harmful if you breathe it. The effects depend on the amount and length of exposure. If beryllium air levels are high enough, breathing it in can result in an acute condition called acute beryllium disease, which resembles pneumonia.
A condition called Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) can occur many years after exposure to higher than normal levels of beryllium. CBD can cause weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and can also result in anorexia, weight loss, and, in advanced cases, right side heart enlargement and heart disease.
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Most content from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR)
