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Common Name: Beryllium Oxide

CAS Number: 1304-56-9

DOT Number: UN 1566

Date: August 1, 1987

HAZARD SUMMARY

• Beryllium Oxide can affect you when breathed in.
• Beryllium Oxide is a CARCINOGEN//HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
• Severe bronchitis or pneumonia can occur 1 to 2 days after high exposure, with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Death can occur.
• High or repeated low exposures can lead to scars in the lungs and other organs. Fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, lung damage and heart failure can occur years later.
• Particles under cuts in the skin may cause ulcers.
• Allergic skin rash may occur.

Beryllium Oxide is a white odorless powder. It is used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, electron tubes, electronics components, nuclear fuels and nuclear moderators.

REASON FOR CITATION

• Beryllium Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, DOT, IARC, NTP and CAG.
• This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN.

• 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 limits (PEL) are 0.002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift, 0.005 mg/m3 as an acceptable ceiling and 0.025 mg/m3 as a maximum peak above the acceptable ceiling concentration not to be exceeded during any 30 minute work period for Beryllium and compounds measured as Beryllium.

NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.0005 mg/m3, which should not be exceeded at any time for Beryllium and is measured as Beryllium.

ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.002 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Beryllium and is measured as Beryllium.

• Beryllium Oxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.

• 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 Oxide is handled, used, or stored.
• Wear protective work clothing.
• Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Beryllium Oxide.
• 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 Oxide to potentially exposed workers.

HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Beryllium Oxide:

• 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 contact can cause redness and itching as well as swelling of eye lids. Sometimes an eye allergy develops. If this occurs, even very small future exposure can cause these symptoms.
• Skin contact can cause irritation and even burns.

The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Beryllium Oxide and can last for months or years:

Cancer Hazard

• Beryllium Oxide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause bone cancer in animals.
• Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for
• causing reproductive damage in humans.

• According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Beryllium Oxide has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.

• A single high exposure or repeated lower exposures can cause permanent scars in the lungs and 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 Testing

Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended:

• Chest x-ray.
• Lung function tests (spirometry and gas transfer testing). (If exposures are higher, more frequent tests should be done; some experts say monthly).
• Careful exam of skin and lungs.

• Consider chest x-ray after acute over-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.

Conditions Made Worse By Exposure

It is not known whether persons with a history of allergies are more likely to become allergic to Beryllium Oxide.

WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES

Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way off 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.

• Where possible, automatically transfer Beryllium Oxide from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
• Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposures to Beryllium #72-10268.

• Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Beryllium Oxide 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 Oxide.
• Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use.
• On skin contact with Beryllium Oxide, 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 Oxide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred.
• Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Beryllium Oxide 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 clean-up. Do not dry sweep.
• When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum.

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 Oxide. 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 is included in the recommended 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.

DOT Number: UN 1566

DOT Emergency Guide code: 53

CAS Number: 1304-56-9

NJ DOH Hazard rating

FLAMMABILITY Not Found

REACTIVITY Not Found

DOES NOT BURN

POISONOUS FUMES PRODUCED IN FIRE

CARCINOGEN

Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe

FIRE HAZARDS

• Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Beryllium Oxide itself does not burn.
• POISONOUS FUMES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Beryllium Oxide fumes.
• If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

If Beryllium Oxide is spilled, take the following steps:

• Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete.
• 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 Oxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.

FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. 

HANDLING AND STORAGE

• Prior to working with Beryllium Oxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage.
• A regulated, marked area should be established where Beryllium Oxide is handled, used, or stored.
• Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Beryllium Oxide can react explosively with MAGNESIUM when HEAT is applied to the mixture.

Eye Contact

• Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention.

• Avoid skin contact in skin areas with cuts and scratches. If such contact occurs, promptly wash with large amounts of water and scrub well to remove all chemical particles.

• Remove the person from exposure.
• Transfer promptly to a medical facility especially if any lung effects are noticed. For high exposures, medical observation for 1 to 2 days is recommended because of possible delayed serious effects.

Water Solubility: Insoluble

OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES

Chemical Name: Beryllium Oxide

Other Names and Formulations: Beryllium; Beryllium Monoxide; Thermalox.

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 ix 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.

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