Many industries use a valuable and extremely useful metal called beryllium because of its unique characteristics. It's used, for instance, in the manufacture of nuclear weapons and in commercial applications such as electronic components and assemblies, home electrical appliances, sporting goods, dental products, as well as the aerospace and automotive industries. However commercial use of beryllium creates technical problems due to its toxicity. Many people who work in these industries and their families may be at risk for exposure to beryllium dust and fumes.
Beryllium is a natural element listed on the periodic table as Be, element number 4. It has numerous isotopes but only one is stable. In the workplace, beryllium can be found as a pure metal in both solid and powder form, as an alloy (a comination of metals) such as beryllium copper, or in other compounds. It is primarily used as a hardening agent. By itself, beryllium is brittle.
Beryllium dust and fumes are toxic and inhaling them can cause the serious illness Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD).
While many workers may be exposed to beryllium, only some develop allergy (sensitization) and disease. Exposure to beryllium dust and fumes can occur when beryllium products are machined, ground, polished, sanded, heated or when beryllium powder is hot pressed.
A person who works with or around others who use beryllium is also at risk for taking home beryllium dust that has accumulated on clothing, or in hair or beards.
See our page on the difference between signs and symptoms of diseases like beryllium exposure and cancer.
Financial Assistance
If you have questions about financial assistance, see our web page on that topic. While this information is written for cancer patients, much of the information is helpful for patients of any kind.
Additional Beryllium Topics:
Chronic Beryllium Disease
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What Should You Do?
Legal Assistance
We are happy to provide you with a free and confidential legal consultation. Paul & Hanley LLP is a California-based firm that is nationally recognized for its outstanding work in toxic tort litigation including health problems caused by beryllium exposure, as well as mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. Our attorneys are known for their honesty, integrity, and compassion. Paul & Hanley has offices located throughout California, including Berkeley, Los Angeles, Westlake Village (Los Angeles county), San Francisco, and San Diego.
Our California malignant mesothelioma cancer attorneys handle cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States. Please contact us toll-free at (800) 933-2244 if you believe someone in your family is suffering from beryllium poisoning or if you would like to learn more about beryllium poisoning and exposure.