High Level Exposure of Beryllium Linked to Beryllium Disease
Beryllium is a lightweight, heat-resistant metal that is used in the aerospace, nuclear, and manufacturing industries. It is also present in a number of consumer products including dental appliances, wheel chairs, sports equipment, and electronic devices. Beryllium may be useful in a wide-range of industries and settings; but it is also known to cause chronic lung ailments in workers.
Beryllium Disease
When a person is exposed to high levels of beryllium through dust or fumes, they may develop Beryllium disease, an ailment that primarily affects the lungs. Beryllium disease may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms, which mimic those of pneumonia, can sometimes take thirty years or more to appear after exposure. Signs/symptoms of Beryllium disease include:
- skin rash
- weight loss
- anorexia
- heart disease
- heart enlargement
- lung cancer
Beryllium in the Workplace
The most common source of beryllium exposure is through a working atmosphere. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists the following industries as those in which workers are most susceptible to beryllium exposure and illness:
- Metal working (pure beryllium, copper and aluminum alloys, jet brake pads, aerospace components)
- Ceramic manufacturing (semi-conductor chips, ignition modules, crucibles, jet engine blades, rocket covers)
- Electronic applications (transistors, heat sinks, x-ray windows)
- Atomic energy applications (heat shields, nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons)
- Laboratory work (research and development, metallurgy, chemistry)
- Extraction (ore and scrap metal)
- Dental alloy production (crowns, bridges, dental plates)
- Sporting goods manufacturing (golf clubs, bicycle frames)
Contact An Experienced Beryllium Disease Attorney
Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of Beryllium disease litigation. We have extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively in Beryllium injury cases.
Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has developed Beryllium disease because of Beryllium exposure in the workplace, call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
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