ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of beryllium in humans. Beryllium is found in a few minerals. The commercial ores of beryllium are beryl and bertrandite. It occurs at about 6 ppm in the earth's crust. By various processes the ores are converted to the oxide or fluoride, which are reduced to the metal. Beryllium is a high-tech metal, used only where its peculiar properties justify the high cost. Inhaled beryllium produces irritation of the entire respiratory tract: rhinitis, pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, and, finally, a severe chemical pneumonitis. The effects of beryllium in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. Beryllium metal and alloys with aluminum and copper are used in electrical uses, reactors, aerospace components, etc.
