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Possible health risks from low level exposure to beryllium

A W Stange1, D E Hilmas, F J Furman

  • 1Health Effects Department, DynCorp of Colorado, Inc., Golden 80402-0464, USA.

Toxicology
|July 17, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) surveillance at Rocky Flats identified 29 CBD and 76 sensitization cases. Some cases involved minimal exposures, suggesting risks beyond primary beryllium operations.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Environmental Medicine
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Rocky Flats), a US Department of Energy nuclear weapons complex, used beryllium from 1953.
  • Beryllium use spanned R&D and production, involving numerous industrial operations.
  • The first chronic beryllium disease (CBD) case was diagnosed in 1984.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on the Beryllium Health Surveillance Program (BHSP) established at Rocky Flats in 1991.
  • To identify and characterize cases of CBD and beryllium sensitization.
  • To investigate potential risks from intermittent or brief beryllium exposures.

Main Methods:

  • Establishment of the Beryllium Health Surveillance Program (BHSP) in June 1991.

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  • Utilized the Lymphocyte Proliferation Test (LPT) to detect beryllium sensitization.
  • Administered questionnaires and interviews for detailed work and health histories to estimate exposure.

    • Main Results:

    • Since 1991, 29 cases of CBD and 76 cases of beryllium sensitization were identified.
    • Several identified cases had minimal or opportunistic exposures, including administrative roles.
    • Work and health histories are used to estimate individual exposure levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Beryllium exposure at Rocky Flats has led to significant numbers of CBD and sensitization cases.
    • Even minimal or opportunistic exposures may pose a risk for developing beryllium-related diseases.
    • Ongoing surveillance aims to further understand risks associated with intermittent beryllium exposure.