Book Description

In this volume are assessed the risks to human health and the environment of Beryllium, found in the earth's crust at an average concentration of approximately 2.8-5.0 mg/kg. Beryllium-containing minerals are processed to beryllium metal, beryllium alloys, and beryllium oxide for use in aerospace, weapons, nuclear and electronics industries. The general population is exposed to beryllium primarily in food and drinking-water, with smaller contributions from air and incidental ingestion of dust. There are no human studies addressing the toxicokinetics of beryllium or beryllium compounds; however, beryllium has been found in the lungs and urine of non-occupationally exposed individuals. There are no reliable data on the oral toxicity of beryllium in humans. The lungs are the primary target of inhalation exposure to beryllium in animals and humans. Short-term or repeated exposures of humans to beryllium or its compounds can result in an acute or chronic form of lung disease. Increases in lung cancer mortality were observed in cohort mortality studies of beryllium processing workers.