Be aware of beryllium

摘要

Exposure to beryllium can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), an incurable illness that is characterized clinically by shortness of breath and a nonproduc- tive cough. Some cases of CBD have been found in people exposed to less than the established permissible exposure limit and with jobs that are not considered to put people at risk for exposure. Facilities that use beryllium should have a plan for monitoring personnel for sensitization and work areas for contamination.