Common Name: Beryllium CAS Number: 7440-41-7 DOT Number: UN 1567 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Beryllium can affect you when breathed in. * Beryllium is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Severe bronchitis or pneumonia can occur in 1 2 days after high exposure, causing death in severe cases. * Eye contact can cause irritation. * High or repeated lower exposures can cause scars to develop in the lungs and other body organs. In severe cases grave disability and heart failure occur. * When particles get under cuts in the skin, ulcers or lumps can develop. IDENTIFICATION Beryllium is a hard, brittle, grey white metal. It is used extensively in manufacturing electrical components, chemicals, ceramics, and x ray tubes. REASON FOR CITATION * Beryllium is on the RTK Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, IARC and NTP. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 0.005 mg/m3, not to be exceeded during any (15 minute) work period. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.0005 mg/m3, which should not be exceeded at any time. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Beryllium is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Beryllium is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Beryllium. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Beryllium to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Beryllium: * Overexposure can severely irritate the airways and lungs, causing nasal discharge, tightness in the chest, cough, shortness of breath, and/or fever. Death can occur in severe cases. Seek prompt medical attention. Future exposures can cause further attacks. Symptoms may be delayed for days after exposure. Some persons later develop lung scarring after such exposures. * Eye irritation, itching, and burning can occur with contact. Sometimes an allergic eye problem develops, breaking out again with future exposure. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Beryllium and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Beryllium is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung and bone cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause lung and bone cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * There is no evidence that Beryllium adversely affects reproduction. This is based on test results presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health from published studies. Other Long Term Effects * A single high exposure or repeated lower exposures can cause permanent scars in the lungs or other body organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and poor appetite. These effects may occur months or years after exposure. Severe cases develop disability and even heart failure. * If chemical particles get under cuts in the skin, ulcers or lumps can develop. These need surgery to remove chemical particles. * Allergic skin rashes can also occur, with itching and redness. These improve away from exposure and can come back with exposure. * Kidney stones can occur from high or repeated exposure. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, for those with frequent or potentially high exposures, the following is recommended: * Chest x ray. * Lung function tests. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Beryllium #72 10268. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Beryllium should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Beryllium. * On skin contact with Beryllium, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Beryllium, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Beryllium is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Beryllium. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Beryllium DOT Number: UN 1567 DOT Emergency Guide code: 32 CAS Number: 7440-41-7 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- COMBUSTIBLE SOLID FORMS EXPLOSIVE MIXTURES IN AIR POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CANCER CAUSING AGENT ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Beryllium is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * Forms explosive mixtures in air. * DO NOT USE WATER. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Beryllium is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Beryllium as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Beryllium you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Beryllium must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES), and STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and NITRIC) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Protect storage containers from physical damage. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Beryllium. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids to be sure all particles are properly removed. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Avoid skin contact in areas with cuts and scratches. If such contact occurs, wash with large amounts of water, scrubbing to remove chemical particles. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility especially if any lung symptoms occur. For high exposures, medical observation of 1 2 days is recommended because of possible serious delayed effects. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Slightly soluble ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Beryllium is a gray, light metal with chemical properties similar to aluminum. It is used to make light alloys, in nuclear reactors, in radio tube parts, in aerospace structures, and in inertial guidance systems. The major source of beryllium in the environment is burning fossil fuels, some of which may enter the aquatic environment through atmospheric fallout. Beryllium may also enter the aquatic environment through the weathering of rocks and soils, and through discharges from industrial and municipal operations. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Beryllium is more toxic in soft water than in hard water. Beryllium and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of beryllium on plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Beryllium and its compounds are considered to have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of beryllium on plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Beryllium is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Beryllium is highly persistent in water with a half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of beryllium found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of beryllium in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.