WASHINGTON, DC — August 4, 2006 — A recent study looks at the levels and types of beryllium exposure for workers at a manufacturing plant making copper–beryllium alloys (Ann Occup Hyg. 2006 Jul 14; Epub ahead of print). The authors noted that even when employees were exposed to beryllium in the air at legal levels, many still became sensitive to beryllium and developed chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis). They suggest that skin contact with beryllium may be yet another pathway of beryllium exposure that can lead to disease.

Chronic beryllium disease or berylliosis is a painful scarring of the lungs caused by beryllium exposure. The illness is characterized by shortness of breath and chest pain. Sometimes the heart becomes stressed and eventually the patient must limit everyday activities.

If you are exposed to beryllium, you can develop “beryllium sensitization.” This is an allergic reaction to beryllium that very often leads to full–blown chronic beryllium disease. A blood test known as BeLPT can determine whether you have become sensitive to beryllium.

Analysis of Beryllium Exposure Levels at the Plant

In 2000, a survey conducted at the copper–beryllium alloy manufacturing plant found that 7% of the employees were sensitized to beryllium and 4% had chronic beryllium disease (Am J Ind Med 2005 Mar; 47(3): 195–205). They worked in areas in which the airborne beryllium level was less than 2 micrograms within an 8 hour period, the level permitted by law for beryllium contamination in private work places.

As a result of the survey, the employer improved ventilation systems and isolated some areas in which beryllium was used. The company also required some employees to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators with HEPA filters (high–efficiency particulate air filters). Employees also started wearing disposable nitrile gloves and long–sleeved clothing.

The study looked at beryllium levels after the workplace changes had been made. Beryllium was measured in the air, on work surfaces, on workers’ necks and faces, and on the cotton gloves that they wore over their nitrile gloves. Where there was a greater amount of beryllium in the air, there was a greater amount of beryllium on work surfaces. Generally, where the beryllium was greater on work surfaces, there was more beryllium on workers’ cotton gloves and on their necks and faces. One exception concerned employees in the rod and wire production area, which had high beryllium levels on glove samples. In this case, the amounts of beryllium found on workers’ necks and faces were less than for employees in other areas, most likely because the rod and wire production workers wore personal protective equipment that covered their necks and faces.

The researchers concluded that even with added work controls, measurable levels of beryllium could still reach the skin of workers. They also pointed to the continuing problem of beryllium–contaminated tools. Such tools may be exchanged among workers or transferred to different work areas, carrying and releasing beryllium dust to the skin and into the air. They recommended better use of protective clothing and nitrile gloves. They also called for further studies to understand the total body exposure to beryllium, including skin contact.

No Safe Level of Beryllium Exposure

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has admitted that the 2 microgram legal level of airborne beryllium “may not be adequate to prevent the occurrence of chronic beryllium disease ” (OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, September 2, 1999). Even if this level were lowered, however, there is no known safe level of beryllium exposure. Even minimal contact with beryllium may cause chronic beryllium disease and other health problems in susceptible individuals. The problem may persist as long as there is exposure to beryllium, which may affect people through skin absorption as well as through inhalation.

Your Beryllium Case

If you have been exposed to beryllium and developed chronic beryllium disease, please feel contact the attorneys at Brayton Purcell. We will evaluate your potential case free of charge and advise you about your legal choices. Our law firm has successfully handled cases involving beryllium and other toxic substances for over 20 years, and we have earned an excellent national reputation in this legal field.