Beryllium FAQ - FindLaw

Q: How is beryllium released into the environment?

A: 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.

Q: How can beryllium exposure occur?

A: 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.

Q: What are the effects of beryllium exposure?

A: The health effects associated with beryllium exposure depend on the amount and length of exposure. Beryllium can be harmful if you breathe it. If beryllium air levels are high enough, breathing it in can result in an acute condition called acute beryllium disease, which resembles pneumonia. Individuals who become sensitive to beryllium (beryllium sensitization) and develop an allergic-type reaction may contract Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD), an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system. 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.

Q: Can beryllium cause cancer?

A: 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.

Q: What can happen if beryllium comes into contact with my skin?

A: Beryllium contact with skin that has been scraped or cut may cause rashes or ulcers.

Q: Is swallowing beryllium dangerous?

A: Swallowing beryllium has not been reported to cause any health effects in humans because very little beryllium is absorbed through the stomach and intestines.

Q: How can I protect my family against beryllium exposure?

A: 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.

Q: Are children at a greater risk for developing health problems than adults who are exposed to beryllium?

A: 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. Also, it is unknown whether beryllium exposure results in birth defects or other developmental effects. The studies conducted in animals have not been conclusive.

Q: Are there any medical tests for determining if I have been exposed to beryllium?

A: Beryllium can be measured in the urine and blood. However, the amount of beryllium in the blood or urine may not accurately reflect how much or how recently you were exposed. Beryllium levels can also be measured in lung and skin samples. Another blood test, the blood beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), identifies beryllium sensitization and has predictive value for CBD.

Q: What are the federal government standards concerning maximum beryllium levels in the air?

A: The EPA restricts the amount of beryllium that industries may release into the air to 0.01 µg/m³, averaged over a 30-day period. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a limit of 2 µg/m³ of workroom air for an 8-hour work shift.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of beryllium exposure?

A: If you or a loved one have experienced any symptoms or have developed any medical conditions related to beryllium exposure, you should first seek immediate medical attention. In the event that you exposed to high levels of beryllium at your place of work without adequate protection or in violation of government standards, you may wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for your injuries. To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.