Acute beryllium poisoning

Signs and symptoms

Generally associated with exposure to beryllium levels at or above 100 μg/m3,

In addition to beryllium's toxicity when inhaled, when brought into contact with skin at relatively low doses, beryllium can cause local irritation and contact dermatitis, and contact with skin that has been scraped or cut may cause rashes or ulcers. Beryllium dust or powder can irritate the eyes.

Risk factors

Acute beryllium poisoning is an occupational disease. Relevant occupations are those where beryllium is mined, processed or converted into metal alloys, or where machining of metals containing beryllium or recycling of scrap alloys occurs.

Metallographic preparation equipment and laboratory work surfaces must be damp-wiped occasionally to inhibit buildup of particles. Cutting, grinding, and polishing procedures that generate dust or fumes must be handled within sufficiently vented coverings supplied with particulate filters.

Management

Therapy is supportive and includes removal from further beryllium exposure. For very severe cases mechanical ventilation may be required.

Prognosis

The signs and symptoms of acute beryllium pneumonitis usually resolve over several weeks to months, but is statistically fatal in 10 percent of cases,

Acute beryllium poisoning approximately doubles the risk of lung cancer. The mechanism by which beryllium is carcinogenic is unclear, but may be due to ionic beryllium binding to nucleic acids; it is not mutagenic.

History

Acute beryllium disease was first reported in Europe in 1933 and in the United States in 1943.

References

References

1. it produces severe cough, sore nose and throat, weight loss, labored breathing, anorexia, and increased fatigue.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. September 2002 [http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp4.pdf Toxicological Profile: Beryllium]. See also [http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/Beryllium_addendum.pdf 2009 Addendum] {{Webarchive. link. (20 March 2021)
2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry via the CDC. [https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsLanding.aspx?id=184&tid=33 TOX FAQs: Beryllium] Page last reviewed: 3 March 2011. Page last updated: 3 June 2015
3. NIOSH [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0226.html International Chemical Safety Cards: Beryllium] Page last reviewed: 22 July 2015. Page last updated: 1 July 2014
4. "Safety and Health Topics {{!}} Beryllium - Health Effects {{!}} Occupational Safety and Health Administration".
5. ATSDR. [http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-4.pdf ToxGuide for Beryllium] September 2002
6. Batich, Ray and James M. Marder. (1985) Beryllium In (Ed. 9), Metals Handbook: Metallography and Microstructures (pp. 389-391). Metals Park, Ohio: American Society for Metals.
7. "Beryllium Disease - Pulmonary Disorders".
8. National Toxicology Program, Department of Health and Human Services. Report on Carcinogens, Thirteenth Edition [https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/roc/content/profiles/beryllium.pdf Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds]
9. Lang, Leslie. (June–July 1994). "Beryllium: A Chronic Problem". Environmental Health Perspectives.