Ohio Uranium Plant Workers Exposed to Beryllium

PIKETON, OH — February 17, 2004 — Eight workers at a uranium enrichment plant in Piketon have developed chronic beryllium disease, a painful scarring of the lungs caused by beryllium exposure. At least eight other workers show sensitivity to the metal, which means that they risk getting the disease at a later date (Chillicothe Gazette, February 7, 2004).

The company that manages the Piketon plant, United States Enrichment Corp. (USEC), found beryllium in aluminum compressor blades that force uranium gas through filters. Beryllium was also discovered in machine shops where employees worked on the blades. “It means we could have exposed any number of people to beryllium,” said Mark Griffon, a physicist working on a government beryllium disease screening program at the plant (Louisville Courier–Journal, February 5, 2004).

As early as 1997, PACE, the local energy and chemical workers’ union, had questioned USEC about beryllium contaminants in compressor blades, according to documents obtained by the Courier–Journal. At that time, the company claimed that beryllium at Piketon was not a serious problem. Now plant officials have roped off beryllium–contaminated areas, including the machine shops where milling and grinding of aluminum blades took place.

Beryllium Exposure in a Kentucky Uranium Enrichment Plant

Another USEC–managed uranium enrichment plant, located in Paducah, Kentucky, also has beryllium problems. Among a group of workers tested between November 2001 and February 2003, 44 showed sensitivity to beryllium, including five who developed chronic beryllium disease. (See Workers at Uranium Enrichment Plant Exposed to Beryllium). The compressor blades at the Paducah plant are similar to those at the Piketon plant.

Workers at both uranium enrichment plants are demanding continuing employee beryllium screenings. However, the Department of Energy’s beryllium health monitoring program is due to expire on September 30, 2004, the Courier–Journal said. The newspaper estimates that only 10 percent of the 20,000 people who worked at either the Paducah or Piketon plants over the past 50 years have been checked for signs of beryllium disease. The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) is the screening method of choice. This blood test measures how disease–fighting cells called lymphocytes react to beryllium. If these cells react strongly, then the individual has become sensitive to beryllium and has a good chance of developing chronic beryllium disease.

Chronic Beryllium Disease Is A Risk in Many Occupations

Unfortunately, beryllium exposure is a risk at job sites in addition to uranium enrichment plants. Exposure hazards exist in the space, aeronautics, computer, and electronics fields. Grinders, machinists, hot press operators, and welders may come into contact with beryllium or its compounds in beryllium alloys and products. Even dental technicians who machine or polish dental alloys containing beryllium may be affected.

At Brayton Purcell, we are concerned about the effects of beryllium exposure on workers and their families. We have successfully handled cases involving beryllium and other toxic substances for over 20 years, and have earned an excellent national reputation in this legal field. If you have been exposed to beryllium and developed chronic beryllium disease, please feel free to contact us to learn about your legal options.