Beryllium is a metal, some forms of which occur in certain types of rocks, coal, oil, soil, and volcanic dust. Beryllium is used in electrical components,
tools, dental equipment, structural components for
aircraft, missiles, and satellites, and other metal-fabricating uses. Beryllium is also used in
consumer products, such as televisions,
sporting goods, calculators, and personal computers.
Employees working in industries that manufacture these types of products may be at a greater risk of developing beryllium related illnesses.
Long term exposure to beryllium may cause
chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis), in which noncancerous lesions form in the
lungs. The onset of these effects may not occur for 3 months to 15 years after exposure to Beryllium. Beryllium has been shown to cause
lung cancer in rats and monkeys. It is not known if beryllium causes
cancer in humans.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of beryllium exposure. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Berylliosis: Overview
- Breathing: Overview
- Fatigue: Overview
- Heart Failure: Overview
- Lung Cancer: Overview
- Beryllium: Frequently Asked Questions