Beryllium Toxicity
Patient Education Care Instruction Sheet
Course: WB 1095
CE Original Date: May 23, 2008
CE Renewal Date: May 23, 2011
CE Expiration Date: May 23, 2013
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Introduction |
Printer-Friendly version of the Patient Education Sheet [PDF - 48 KB] |
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What Is Beryllium? |
Beryllium is a mineral found in nature. It is extracted from mineral deposits and used for many commercial purposes. Industries that use beryllium include
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How Can I Be Exposed to Beryllium? |
The general population is exposed to normally low levels of beryllium in air, food, and water in the course of their daily lives. People working or living near beryllium industries have the greatest potential for exposure to it.
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How Can Beryllium Affect My Health? |
Exposure to beryllium can affect the lungs and/or skin. However, not everyone will develop health effects from beryllium exposure. People who work closely with beryllium as part of their employment have the greatest risk of developing health effects from beryllium. However, people who have had only infrequent exposure to beryllium may still develop health effects. Some individuals develop health effects shortly after exposure, while others may develop health effects many years after exposure has stopped. Once a person has been exposed to beryllium, they have a lifelong risk of developing disease even if exposure stops. Beryllium usually affects the respiratory system, although it can affect other parts of the body as well. Listed below are different types of illnesses or health effects associated with beryllium.
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How Can Families Reduce the Risk of Exposure to Beryllium? |
There are several ways families can reduce exposure to beryllium.
Some adults and children may be exposed to beryllium by contact with a family member who works in a facility using beryllium.
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Is There a Medical Test to Show if I Have Been Exposed to Beryllium? |
Beryllium can be measured in the urine, blood, lung and skin samples. The amount of beryllium in blood or urine may not indicate how much or how recently you were exposed. A more specific blood test, the blood beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), identifies beryllium sensitization which may lead to chronic beryllium disease. These tests are not usually available at your doctor's office, but your doctor can send the samples to a laboratory that can perform the tests. |
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When to Call or See Your Doctor |
Call your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms:
Make sure to tell your doctor about your past and/or current beryllium exposure. |
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Follow-Up Instructions |
The items checked below require your attention. Please make an appointment to:
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