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Pulmonary function in beryllium workers: assessment of exposure
D Kriebel1, N L Sprince, E A Eisen
1Occupational Health Program, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Workers exposed to beryllium in a factory experienced high exposure levels for decades, leading to potential lung disease. Exposure limits were significantly reduced after 1977, improving safety for beryllium industry workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Beryllium inhalation causes serious lung disease with radiographic and functional impairments.
- Occupational exposure occurs in workers involved in beryllium extraction and manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe beryllium exposure levels and refining processes in a long-standing beryllium factory.
- To estimate lifetime beryllium exposure histories for a cohort of 309 workers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of beryllium exposure levels and refining processes from the 1930s onwards.
- Estimation of lifetime beryllium exposure histories for 309 workers surveyed in 1977.
- Calculation of exposure parameters characterizing biologically important dimensions of exposure.
Main Results:
- High beryllium exposure levels (exceeding 100 µg/m³) were prevalent for many years.
- Exposures above 10 µg/m³ persisted in some jobs until 1975.
- Post-1977, the plant achieved compliance with the 2.0 µg/m³ permissible exposure limit; median cumulative exposure was 65 µg/m³-years over 17 years.
Conclusions:
- Historical beryllium exposure in the factory was substantial, posing significant occupational health risks.
- The study provides detailed exposure data crucial for understanding beryllium-related lung disease.
- Improved exposure controls implemented after 1977 are vital for worker safety in the beryllium industry.