[ RadSafe ] BERYLLIUM REQUEST?

[Ellars, Charles]

Here is a link to a manufacturer's site that has info on Beryllium.  
http://www.brushwellman.com/
To my knowledge, there are currently no *quick and dirty* tests for
beryllium.  It requires an ICP-MS or other such instrument.  We
currently do wipe samples and air samples (microcellulose 0.45um
filters) and send the samples to a contract lab.  There was some work on
a colorimetric test from LANL, but as far as I know, it was not very
sensitive and is not in general use.

The main hazard of beryllium is when inhaled versus ingested.  There is
a illness associated with beryllium called Chronic Beryllium Disease.
The following is from the website mentioned:

*INHALATION - People who are sensitive to inhaled beryllium particles
can develop a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease called chronic
beryllium disease ("CBD"). Chronic (Long Term) health effects may take
months or years to develop. CBD is a condition in which the tissues of
the lungs become inflamed, restricting the exchange of oxygen between
the lungs and the blood stream. CBD does not occur in most people.
However, it is not currently possible to tell who is potentially
allergic and who is not. Therefore, all workers need to be protected and
airborne beryllium particles must be controlled by implementing
engineering controls and good work practices. Three factors are
required, and all must be present for a person to develop CBD. First,
the individual must be exposed to airborne beryllium in the form of a
dust, fume or mist. Second, the particles must be tiny enough to reach
the air sacs deep in
the lungs; and third, the person must be sensitive or allergic to
beryllium.
Small, respirable beryllium particles depositing on hands, gloves and
clothing could be transferred to the breathing zone and inhaled during
normal hand to face motions. Care should be taken not to touch the face
with contaminated hands or clothing. Wear proper personal protective
equipment to prevent skin and clothing contact with beryllium particles.
Wash hands if they become contaminated.*

Hope this helps.
Charlie Ellars


-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl] On
Behalf Of Ed Battle
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 8:38 PM
To: radsafe at radlab.nl
Subject: [ RadSafe ] BERYLLIUM REQUEST?



Subject: BERYLLIUM REQUEST?
 

IF ANYONE CAN SHED SOME LIGHT ON STEVE DORAN'S REQUEST, PLEASE CONTACT
HIM AT HIS EMAIL ADDRESS: sldoran at earthlink.net AND CC ME FOR MY OWN
EDUCATION!!!   MANY THANKS,  ED

  

 

I need some assistance. I am working a file where a female indicates she
has been exposed to a large dose of Beryllium and test results have
concluded that she in fact has the substance in her system. Beryllium is
not being used in her work place. However from what I have been advised
it is used in all kinds of things we come in contact with every day in
our homes and dentists even use it. 

 

What we are trying to do is locate and expert with the appropriate
equipment and background to contract in California to perform tests in
her home and try to track the source of her contamination. If in fact it
is not just self inflicted or a fluke.   

 

Further I am trying to find out if equipment even exists that can check
to see if the air she is breathing in her home is contaminated with the
stuff. The long and the short of it is, I just need to be pointed in the
right direction, to track this thing down and further find out what is
possible and what is not when dealing with this substance. IE can it be
detected if it is in the air, and is it possible to be contaminated
breathing the fumes it lets off, does it have to be ingested to be
harmful. I just do not want to waste time barking up the wrong tree. 

 

Take care, my friend. 

 

 

Steve Doran






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