BERYLLIUM
CAS #7440-41-7
Division of Toxicology ToxFAQsTM September 2002
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about beryllium. For more
information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series
of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this
information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance
depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other
chemicals are present.
HIGHLIGHTS: People working or living near beryllium industries have the
greatest potential for exposure to beryllium. Lung damage has been observed
in people exposed to high levels of beryllium in the air. About 1-15% of all
people occupationally-exposed to beryllium in air become sensitive to beryllium
and may develop chronic beryllium disease (CBD), an irreversible and
sometimes fatal scarring of the lungs. CBD may be completely asymptomatic or
begin with coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and/or fatigue.
Beryllium has been found in at least 535 of the 1,613 National Priorities List
sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is beryllium?
Beryllium is a hard, grayish metal naturally found in mineral
rocks, coal, soil, and volcanic dust. Beryllium ore is mined,
and the beryllium is purified for use in nuclear weapons and
reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, x-
ray machines, and mirrors. Beryllium oxide is used to make
speciality ceramics for electrical and high-technology
applications. Beryllium alloys are used in automobiles,
computers, sports equipment (golf clubs), and dental
bridges.
What happens to beryllium when it enters the
environment?
โ Beryllium dust enters the air from burning coal and oil.
This beryllium dust will eventually settle over the land and
water.
โ It enters 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.
โ Most beryllium in soil does not dissolve in water and
remains bound to soil.
โ Beryllium does not accumulate in the food chain.
How might I be exposed to beryllium?
โ The general population is normally exposed to low levels
of beryllium in air, food, and water.
โ 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 may also be exposed to
higher than normal levels of beryllium in air.
โ People living near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites may
be exposed to higher than normal levels of beryllium.
How can beryllium affect my health?
Beryllium can be harmful if you breathe it. The effects
depend on how much you are exposed to, for how long, and
individual susceptibility. If beryllium air levels are high
enough (greater than 1000 ug/m3), an acute condition can
result. This condition resembles pneumonia and is called
acute beryllium disease Occupational and community air
standards are effective in preventing acute lung damage.
Some people (1-15%) become sensitive to beryllium. These
individuals may develop an inflammatory reaction in the
respiratory system. This condition is called chronic
beryllium disease (CBD), and can occur years after exposure
to higher than normal levels of beryllium (greater than 0.2
ug/m3). This disease can make you feel weak and tired, and
can cause difficulty in breathing. It can also result in
anorexia, weight loss, and may also lead to right side heart
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
