Environmental Dangers

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Berylliosis is a condition resulting from the inhalation of, exposure to or otherwise implantation of the element beryllium into the body. Beryllium acts as a chemical irritant to the lungs; prolonged exposure results in hypersensitivity and inflammation in the lungs which in turn develop small sacs (granulomas), restricting your ability to breathe. This ultimately leads to restrictive lung disease and sometimes death.

There are two forms of sickness characterized by exposure to beryllium: acute beryllium disease and chronic beryllium disease. Due to improved industrial hygiene standards, acute beryllium disease is extremely rare. However, chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis) still remains a problem for workers in affected industries.

What are the symptoms of berylliosis?
Symptoms of berylliosis may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe cough
• Joint pain
• Weight loss
• Fever
  

Who is at risk?
Beryllium is a toxic element and a known carcinogen (1) yet beryllium and beryllium alloys are commonly used in dental alloy preparation, electronics, fiber optics, aircraft, satellites, x-ray transmission windows, mirrors, ceramics, bicycle frames and golf clubs.

Additionally, pure beryllium is used in aircraft brakes, space vehicle optics and instruments, missile parts, nuclear reactors, rocket propellants, heat shields, high-speed computers and audio components (1).

Those at the highest risk of beryllium exposure are involved with:

• Primary beryllium production / mining
• Metal machinery production
• Scrap metal reclaiming
• The nuclear power industry
• The aerospace industry
• The electronics industry
  

In some cases, the appearance of berylliosis may be delayed as much as 20 years after exposure to beryllium (2). U.S. companies have produced beryllium and some beryllium compounds commercially since the 1940s and beryllium oxide since 1958. It is estimated that 2-6% of workers exposed to beryllium eventually develop berylliosis (2). Attack rates as high as 16% in selected high-exposure worker populations have been also been reported (3).

Am I at risk of beryllium exposure?
Beryllium disease is not limited to workers who are exposed to it. "Neighborhood cases" of the disease were first documented in the 1940s when people not employed by a beryllium using company - but who all lived within a mile of a plant and were exposed to smokestack emissions of the toxic dust - were diagnosed with beryllium disease. In 1948, the first of many cases among workers’ wives was diagnosed. These women were exposed to the toxic metal dust while washing their husband’s work clothes (4).

What should I do if I was exposed to beryllium?
Always consult with your physician for medical advice. If you or someone you care about has suffered health complications resulting from exposure to beryllium or beryllium alloys, call our law firm immediately for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition(www.hss.gov) accessed on 07/27/05

Berylliosis from www.CHCLibrary.org, accessed 07/27/05

Berylliosis by Raed A. Dweik, MD, FACP, FCCP, FRCPC of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. www.emedicine.com accessed on 07/27/05

Beryllium Diseasesfrom the Chemical Industrial Archives, a project by the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) accessed on 07/27/05


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by or affiliated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CHCLibrary.org, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, emedicine.com, the Chemical Industrial Archives or the Environmental Working Group.

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Have you or someone you care about been hurt as a result of Berylliosis? Contact a Hughes & Coleman environmental dangers lawyer today. We have offices in Bowling Green, Louisville, Lexington, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville. Complete a FREE Consultation Form online or call us today.

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