beryllium

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H350i: May cause cancer by inhalation [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H372 **: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H301 (98%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H315 (98%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H317 (98.2%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]

H319 (98%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330 (98.2%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H335 (98%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H350 (71.8%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H350i (26.5%): May cause cancer by inhalation [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H372 (99.8%): Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 400 reports by companies from 21 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P308+P316, P318, P319, P321, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P318, P319, P320, P321, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Beryllium & beryllium compounds (as Be):

Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: FRESH AIR - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary. (NIOSH, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: Fresh air

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 134 [Flammable Solids - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. Do not get water inside containers. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use fine water spray, dry powder, dry sand. NO other agents.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

In case of fire, smother with dry sand, dry clay, dry ground limestone, or use approved Class D extinguishers. DO NOT use carbon dioxide or halogenated extinguishing agents. DO NOT use water.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 134 [Flammable Solids - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete.

Environmentral considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suctiion hoses.

Environmental considerations: Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.

Spillage Disposal: wear nitrile rubber gloves, eye protection, self contained respirator and laboratory coat (wash after each job). Scoop up and place in a large stoppered wide mouth bottle. Save for recovery. Wash site with soap solution.

Place contaminated materials into appropriate containers for disposal.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P015, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Waste waters containing beryllium may ... require treatment to reduce the concentration of beryllium. A typical treatment method for beryllium involves steps such as chemical precipitation, settling clarification, neutralization, filtration, and sludge dewatering.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

Work areas should be monitored to limit and control levels of exposure. Personnel samplers are recommended. Good housekeeping, proper maintenance and engineering control of processing equipment and technology are essential. The importance of safe work practices and personal hygiene should be stressed. When beryllium levels exceed the accepted standards, the workers should be provided with respiratory protective devices of the appropriate class, as determined on the basis of the actual or projected atmospheric concn of airborne beryllium at the worksite.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 134 [Flammable Solids - Toxic and/or Corrosive]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong acids, bases, chlorinated solvents and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

0.00015 [mg/m3]

0.025 [mg/m3]

0.1 [mg/m3]

Ca See Appendix A

0.0002 [mg/m3], as Be, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.002 mg/m3, as Be

0.2 µg/m³ [0.1 µg/m³ Action Level]

TWA 0.0002 mg/m³

STEL 0.002 mg/m³ (15 minutes)

4 mg Be/m3 ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024)

4.0 [mg/m3], as Be

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

NIOSH considers beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be) to be a potential occupational carcinogen. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/

Ca [4 mg/m³ (as Be)]

See: 7440417

0.00005 [mg/m3], as Be, Inhalable particulate matter

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.00005 mg/cu m (inhalable fraction); Skin. /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded. /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/

A1: Confirmed human carcinogen. /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/

2013 Notice of Intended Changes (NIC): Updates of Sensitizer (SEN) Notations to Dermal Sensitizer (DSEN) and/or Respiratory Sensitizer (RSEN). The following substances are placed on the NIC for review of this notation only. Substance: Beryllium and compounds, as Be; Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.00005 mg/cu m (Inhalable fraction); Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): None; Notations: Skin; Dermal Sensitization (DSEN), Respiratory Sensitization (RSEN); A1: Confirmed human carcinogen.; Molecular Weight: 9.01; TLV Basis: Beryllium sensitization; Beryllium disease (berylliosis). /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/

(inhalable fraction): 0.00005 mg/m

(inhalable fraction): 0.0002 mg/m

sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (SAH); carcinogen category: 1.

Chronic Oral: 0.002 mg/kg/day (L134)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

Beryllium compounds, n.o.s. are generally white, crystalline or powdered material containing beryllium. They are generally soluble in water. They are toxic by inhalation and by ingestion.

Beryllium powder appears as a grayish-white hard light metal. Denser than water, but the powder may float. May be toxic by inhalation. Will burn if involved in a fire.

Other Solid

Metal: A hard, brittle, gray-white solid;

GREY SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

hard, brittle, gray-white solid, metal

Metal: A hard, brittle, gray-white solid.

Hexagonal crystals

Gray, brittle metal; close-packed hexagonal structure

A silvery-white, relatively soft, lustrous metal

A hard, brittle, gray-white solid.

Odorless

4532 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

>2400 °C

2471 °C @760 [mm Hg]

2349 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)

Insoluble in cold water, mercury; slightly soluble in hot water

Soluble in acid and alkaline solutions

Beryllium reacts readily with sulfuric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids. Dilute nitric acid attacks the metal slowly, whereas concentrated nitric acid has little effect.

Solubility in water: insoluble

Insoluble

1.85 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.85 g/cu cm

1.9 g/cm³

1.85 (metal)

1.85 @25 °C

0 mmHg (approx) (NIOSH, 2024)

1 Pa at 1189 °C (solid); 10 Pa at 1335 °C; 100 Pa at 1518 °C; 1 kPa at 1750 °C; 10 kPa at 2054 °C; 100 kPa at 2469 °C

0 mmHg (approx)

10 [mm Hg] @1860 °C

Resistant to oxidation at ordinary temperatures

Corrosion resistant

-28,000 btu/lb = -15,560 cal/g = -652X10+5 joules/kg

Heat capacity at constant pressure: (30 °C) 0.437 cal/g/deg C; latent heat of fusion: 3.5 kcal/mol; Brinell hardness: 60-125; has high permeability to x-rays; anisotropic; chemical properties similar to aluminum; metal resistant to attack by acid due to formation of a thin oxide film.

Ductile at red heat ... Reacts with aqueous alkalies or H2

Resistant to oxidation at ordinary temperatures; high heat capacity and thermal conductivity.

Radioactive decay pathways[Table#1420]

nuclear quadrupole moment

decay amplitude

Generally soluble in water.

Insoluble in water. Beryllium is a flammable solid that will ignite if its surroundings are on fire. It can react with water under fire conditions, but is unlikely to do so otherwise.

Insufficient Information for Classification

Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active

Highly Flammable

Strong Reducing Agent

When inhaled, Beryllium and its compounds cause serious and irreversible damage to lungs.

Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals except magnesium [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Finely divided or amalgamated metal reacts with HCl, dil HNO3, or dil H2SO4; attacked by strong base with evolution of hydrogen gas [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. It has been determined experimentally that a mixture of beryllium powder with carbon tetrachloride or with trichloroethylene will flash or spark on heavy impact [ASESB Pot. Incid. 39 1968]. The reaction between beryllium and the vapors of phosphorus proceeds with incandescence [Mellor 8:842 1946-47].

Finely divided or amalgamated metal reacts with HCl, dilute H2SO4 and dilute HNO3; attacked by strong bases with evolution of H2.

Reacts with acids and alkalies to liberate highly flammable hydrogen gas.

... A mixture of beryllium powder with carbon tetrachloride or with trichloroethylene will flash or spark on heavy impact.

Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithium.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithium

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

Exposure of people to relatively high concentrations of beryllium (greater than 100 ug cu m) causes acute beryllium disease, characterized by chemical pneumonitis. ... Some people inhaling low concentrations of beryllium develop chronic beryllium disease, a granulomatous lung disease characterized by dyspnea, cough, reduced pulmonary function, and a variety of other symptoms, including weight loss. ... The lack of a dose-response relationship between the extent of exposure and development of the disease, long latency period between exposure and onset, and the low incidence among beryllium-exposed individuals suggests that the disease is immune mediated. ... Occupational risk associated with exposure to beryllium-containing alloys has been documented for individuals exposed to beryllium-copper and beryllium-nickel alloys. Beryllium is a human and animal carcinogen. Epidemiologic evidence relating beryllium exposure to cancer in humans demonstrates that beryllium is carcinogenic in humans, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer lists the evidence for beryllium induced carcinogenicity in humans as "sufficient". ... The pulmonary effects of inhaled beryllium have also been evaluated in a variety of laboratory animal species. ... monkeys exposed to relatively high concentrations of beryllium compounds developed symptoms and histopathological findings consistent with acute beryllium disease. ... Granulomatous lung disease has also been produced in guinea pigs exposed to beryllium compounds by inhalation or by intratracheal instillation. ... Repeated inhalation of beryllium-containing materials, including soluble beryllium compounds by various strains of laboratory rats has resulted in development of inflammatory and proliferative changes, granulomatous lung changes, and the development of lung tumors. Although beryllium- exposed rats have developed various degrees of granulomatous lung disease, none have developed immunopathological responses in lung or beryllium hypersensitivity. ... studies have shown that several strains of mice inhaling beryllium develop pulmonary lesions with features consistent with chronic beryllium disease. Lung lesions consisted of infiltration of lymphocytes into the lung interstitium, development of microgranulomas consisting of T lymphocytes and macrophages, and the presence of some pulmonary fibrosis. Under certain exposure conditions, increased numbers of lymphocytes were recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from exposed animals.

Once in the body, beryllium acts as a hapten and interacts with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DP presenting cells in the lungs, becoming physically associated with a major histocompatability (MHC) class II molecule. This MHC class II-beryllium-peptide complex is recognized by the T lymphocyte receptor, triggering CD4+ T lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The resulting inflammatory response is a cell-mediated process orchestrated by cytokines and results in the formation of (usually pulmonary) granulomas. Beryllium's toxicity may be controlled by the iron-storage protein ferritin, which sequesters beryllium by binding it and preventing it from interacting with other enzymes. (L25, A37, A91)

Beryllium and compounds

Respiratory

Gastrointestinal

2 x 10 ^-3 mg/kg-day

2 x 10 ^-5 mg/m^3

Beryllium

Trace element

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

There is sufficient evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of beryllium and beryllium compounds. Beryllium and beryllium compounds cause cancer of the lung. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of beryllium and beryllium compounds. Beryllium and beryllium compounds are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).

A1; Confirmed human carcinogen. /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/

Beryllium and beryllium compounds are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.

Beryllium and beryllium compounds

Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans

Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)

Volume 58: (1993) Beryllium, Cadmium, Mercury, and Exposures in the Glass Manufacturing Industry

Volume 100C: (2012) Arsenic, Metals, Fibres, and Dusts

1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135)

Acute inhalation of a high level of beryllium can result in a pneumonia-like condition called acute beryllium disease. Chronic inhalation of beryllium can caused an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system called chronic beryllium disease. Chronic beryllium disease may result in anorexia and weight loss, as well as right side heart enlargement and heart disease in advanced cases. Chronic exposure can also increase the risk of lung cancer. Skin contact with beryllium results in contact dermatitis.

(L24, L25)

The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact

Inhalation (L24)

Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed.

MAY BE ABSORBED!

Berylliosis (chronic exposure): anorexia, weight loss, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), chest pain, cough, clubbing of fingers, cyanosis, pulmonary insufficiency; irritation eyes; dermatitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Chronic beryllium disease causes fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing, and a persistent dry cough.

(L24, L25)

Cancer, Immunological (Immune System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

[lung cancer]

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

Fibrogenic - Inducing tissue injury and fibrosis (scarring).

IARC Carcinogen - Class 1: International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies chemicals as established human carcinogens.

NTP Carcinogen - Known to be a human carcinogen.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Human.

IRIS Current

HEAST Current

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 7.4-9.4, dissolved oxygen 6.5-9.1 mg/L; Concentration: 1900 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 1100-3300 ug/L) /> or =80% purity/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 22 °C, pH 7.4-9.4, dissolved oxygen 6.5-9.1 mg/L; Concentration: 1900 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 800-1600 ug/L) /> or =80% purity/

TLm Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 150 ug/L for 96 hr (soft water) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50; Species: Hyalella azteca (Scud) age 1-11 day young organism; Conditions: freshwater, static, 24-25 °C, pH 7.39 (6.44-8.52); Concentration: 67 ug/L for 7 days (95% confidence interval: 53-85 ug/L)

LC50; Species: Hyalella azteca (Scud) age 1-11 day young organism; Conditions: freshwater, static, 24-25 °C, pH 8.21 (7.23-8.83); Concentration: 240 ug/L for 7 days (95% confidence interval: 181-316 ug/L)

1.60e+02

2.30e+03

1.20e-03

5.10e-03

2.50e+01

4.00e+00

1.90e+01

3.20e+00

2.40e-03

2.00e-03

Volatile

4.70e+02

6.90e+03

6.30e-02

2.60e-01

7.40e+01

The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

Beryl is the ore of beryllium(1).

Beryllium's production and use in beryllium-copper alloys, microelectronics, aerospace technology, as a solid-propellant in rocket fuels(1), in aircraft brakes, X-ray windows, and neutron reflectors(2), may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

Beryllium enters the environment principally from coal combustion. Be contents in the ashes from a Czechoslovakian power plant were determined (coarse > 20 mm) and fine (2.0 to 0.2 mm) fraction from dump, and fine (0.2 mm) fraction from electrostatic precipitators). Acidic and alkali aqueous extracts of these ashes contained various concentrations of Be (1 to 17% of total concentrations). Wastewater showned 3.15 and 3.4 ug Be/L. Thus, secondary long term beryllium pollution emerges from the slag and ash dumps.

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of beryl is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 13,938 workers (739 of these were female) were potentially exposed to beryllium, elemental in the US(1). Occupational exposure to beryllium may be through inhalation of airborne dust and dermal contact with beryllium at workplaces where it is produced or used(SRC). Limited monitoring data indicate that the general population will be exposed to beryllium via inhalation of ambient air, and ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water. The most probable human exposure would be occupational exposure(SRC).

The influence of aerosol suspension from clothing on personal monitor exposure estimates was investigated in a beryllium facility. Samples of 100% cotton and 100% Nomex fabrics used at the beryllium facility were tested. The deposition of airborne beryllium into fabrics was significantly enhanced by electrostatic attraction on cotton but not on Nomex fabrics. Both fabrics collected more beryllium in motion than on stationary units. Personal monitors mounted in front of fabrics collected more beryllium when the fabrics were agitated than when monitors were placed in the positions of the nose and mouth. The air concentrations increased as fabric load increased, but leveled off at high fabric load concentrations. Resuspension from cotton was higher than from Nomex. Resuspension of aerosol from garments can cause erroneously high exposure measurements from chest mounted personal monitors.

Workshirts worn by employees at a beryllium refinery resuspended beryllium containing dust. The old shirts resuspended significantly higher quantities of beryllium to the air than did the washed and unwashed new shirts. A considerable fraction of the Be measured in air was respirable.

For more Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Storage of beryllium in all major tissue sites is of long duration, particularly in the pulmonary lymph nodes & bone. Hence elimination of beryllium from the body is extremely slow, & the last 5% requiring many months or years to disappear completely from these latter two sites.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P015, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

Waste waters containing beryllium may ... require treatment to reduce the concentration of beryllium. A typical treatment method for beryllium involves steps such as chemical precipitation, settling clarification, neutralization, filtration, and sludge dewatering.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 134 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE/ Fire or Explosion: Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. /Beryllium powder/

/GUIDE 134 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Beryllium powder/

/GUIDE 134 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. Stay upwind. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Beryllium powder/

/GUIDE 134 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS - TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Beryllium powder/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

1566 154(compounds)

1567 134(powder)

UN 1567; Beryllium powder

IMO 6.1; Beryllium powder

49 232 16; Beryllium compounds, not otherwise specified

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. Beryllium powder is included on the dangerous goods list.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. Beryllium powder is included on the dangerous goods list.

Poison Flammable Solid

Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T+; R: 49-25-26-36/37/38-43-48/23; S: 53-45; Note: E

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 4.1; UN Pack Group: II