Berylliosis: What is it?

By Darlene Oakley HERWriter

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What is Berylliosis?

Berylliosis is known by several other names: Acute Beryllium Disease; Beryllium Granulomatosis; Beryllium Pneumonosis; and Beryllium Poisoning.

Berylliosis develops after exposure to and inhalation of beryllium dust or vapor. Some metallic compounds also contain beryllium, which can also be a source of exposure. Beryllium is a metal that, once extracted from the earth, is refined and ground down into a very fine powder. It is used in the manufacturing of many products.

"Pure beryllium metal is used in the manufacture of aircraft disc brakes, nuclear weapons and reactors, missile parts, heat shields, X-ray machine parts, mirrors, and spacecraft. Beryllium oxide is used in ceramics for electronics and high-technology applications. Among the uses for beryllium alloys are electrical connectors, springs, precision instruments, aircraft engine parts, wheels and pinions. Beryllium metal and metal alloys may be found in consumer products such as televisions, calculators, computers, special nonsparking tools and sports equipment...dental alloys and dental bridges." (www.chronicberylliumdisease.com)

Minute traces of beryllium are detectable in our air. One of the main contributing factors is the burning of coal and fuel oil and cities or areas surrounding plants or manufacturers that deal with beryllium have higher concentrations. The average concentration of beryllium in the air is about .03 nanograms (1 nanogram is 1 billionth of a gram). This is considered very low and hardly life threatening.

Berylliosis can affect not only those that work directly with the metal in its various forms, but also those who could be exposed to the dust from the atmosphere or workers' clothes.

There are two types of berylliosis: acute and chronic. With acute beryllium disease, the metal is a direct chemical irritant, resulting in nonspecific inflammation (acute chemical pneumonitis). Improved industrial hygiene measures designed to reduce the exposure of workers to the metal, however, has virtually eliminated acute beryllium disease.

Chronic beryllium disease, though, is still an issue for those that work with the metal. Development of CBD has been reported in a little as a few months after exposure or as long as forty years. The condition is chronic because the lung tissues have been scarred. CBD has also been linked to lung cancer.

Approximately, between 1-10 percent of those who are exposed to beryllium will develop hypersensitivity and only a portion of those will develop chronic beryllium disease.

Symptoms and Treatment of Berylliosis

Clinical presentation of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is similar to other inflammatory diseases.

The first symptom is usually sensitivity to beryllium (allergic reaction) exhibited by cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fevers, skin rash, and night sweats. As the disease progresses and the tissues become more scarred, pulmonary hypertension strains the right side of the heart. Once a person has been exposed to beryllium, they will always be at risk for developing berylliosis.

Patients may also experience skin irritation. "Exposure to beryllium dust or soluble compounds may cause a skin disease which is characterized by poor wound healing and wart-like bumps. A skin rash may also be one of the early symptoms of CBD."

In the case of inhaled exposure, doctors will use chest X-rays and blood tests to confirm diagnosis of CBD.

As of yet, there is no cure. Doctors and researchers haven't been able to determine what makes the disease progress faster in some people and slower in others. As the disease progresses and the damage to lung tissue increases, the inflamed tissue will form small nodules that will further impair lung function. Beryllium can also be distributed to other areas of the body through the lungs including bones, liver, kidneys, lymphnodes, salivary glands, and muscles of the heart.

Treatment focuses improving the quality of life for sufferers, usually with the use of corticosteroids. Immunosuppression therapy may also be used to decrease the body's usual immuno responses. Those in the later stages of the disease may be considered for lung transplantation.

Sources: http://emedicine.medscape.com; www.cigna.com; www.chronicberylliumdisease.com

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.