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BERYLLIOSIS DESCRIPTION |
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In the 1930s, scientists discovered that
beryllium could make fluorescent light bulbs last longer. During the
following decade, the hard, grayish metal was identified as the
cause of a potentially debilitating, sometimes deadly disease
characterized by shortness of breath and inflammation, swelling, and
scarring of the lungs. The manufacture of fluorescent light bulbs is no longer a source of beryllium exposure, but serious health hazards are associated with any work environment or process in which beryllium fumes or particles become airborne. Working with pure beryllium, beryllium compounds (e.g. beryllium oxide), or beryllium alloys causes occupational exposure. So do jobs involving: Electronics Fiber optics Manufacturing ceramics, bicycle frames, golf clubs, mirrors, and microwave ovens Mining Nuclear weapons and reactors Reclaiming scrap metal Space and atomic engineering. Dental and laboratory technology. Beryllium dust and fumes are classified as toxic air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is estimated that 2–6% of workers exposed to these contaminants eventually develop berylliosis. |
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