Beryllium & beryllium compounds (as Be)
Synonyms & Trade Names
Beryllium metalCAS No.
7440-41-7 (metal)RTECS No.
DS1750000 (metal)Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca C 0.0005 mg/m3 See Appendix AOSHA PEL
TWA 0.002 mg/m3C 0.005 mg/m3 (30 minutes), with a maximum peak of 0.025 mg/m3
Physical Description
Metal: A hard, brittle, gray-white solid.Molecular Weight
9.0Boiling Point
4532°FMelting Point
2349°FSolubility
InsolubleVapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)Ionization Potential
NASpecific Gravity
1.85 (metal)Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NA
Metal: Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but a slight explosion hazard in the form of a powder or dust.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithiumExposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
Berylliosis (chronic exposure): anorexia, weight loss, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), chest pain, cough, clubbing of fingers, cyanosis, pulmonary insufficiency; irritation eyes; dermatitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemCancer Site
[lung cancer]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:Daily
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division