editor's choice: Release of Beryllium from Beryllium-Containing Materials in Artificial Skin Surface Film Liquids

摘要

Purpose: Skin exposure to soluble beryllium compounds causes systemic sensitization in humans.nPenetration of poorly soluble particles through intact skin has been proposed as a mechanismnfor beryllium sensitization; however, this mechanism is controversial. The purpose ofnthis study was to investigate the hypothesis that particulate beryllium compounds in contactnwith skin surface release ions via dissolution in sweat.nMethods: Dissolution of 11 particulate beryllium materials (hydroxide, metal, oxides andncopper–beryllium fume), 3 copper–beryllium alloy reference materials (chips and solid block),nand 4 copper–beryllium alloy tools was measured over 7 days in artificial sweat buffered to pHn5.3 and pH 6.5.nResults: All testmaterials released berylliumions in artificial sweat. Particulate froma reductionnfurnace that contained both crystalline andamorphous berylliumwas themost soluble compound—n40% dissolved in 8 h. Rates of beryllium release from all other particulate and reference materialsnwere faster at pH 5.3 than at pH 6.5 (P < 0.05). At pH 5.3, values of the chemical dissolutionnrate constant, k [g (cm2 day)21] differed significantly for hydroxide, metal, and oxide 21.7 6n0.031027, 1.760.631028, and1.060.531029, respectively (P < 0.05). Up to 30mg of berylliumnwas released from the alloy tools within 1 h. Dissolution rates in artificial sweat were equal to ornfaster than values previously determined for these materials in lung models.nConclusions: Poorly soluble beryllium materials undergo dissolution in artificial sweat, suggestingnthat skin exposure is a biologically plausible pathway for development of sensitization.nSkin surface acidity, which is regulated by sweat chemistry and bacterial hydrolysis of sebumnlipids varies by anatomical region and may be an exposure-modifying factor for beryllium particlendissolution.