Health and Safety Aspects of Beryllium Operations

Abstract

Beryllium and its compounds are very toxic and need careful handling. They can cause a systemic disease called “Beryllium Disease” under excess exposure conditions. This paper outlines the nature of beryllium disease and the control measures to be adopted in handling the metal and its compounds. Brief descriptions of acute and chronic effects, mechanism of action are given here. Engineering control measures including ventilation and air cleaning, personal control measures, and medical control measures are given in brief. Human exposure assessment methods and air concentration values obtained in our indigenous Beryllium Plant have also been included.