Beryllium Essay

Beryllium is a naturally occurring element, it’s found in rocks and soil, especially in beryl and bertrandite rock. It was discovered by a chemist named Vaquelin in 1798. It is the fourth element of the periodic table. The purified beryllium is a grey, extremely lightweight and hard metal, it is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and is non-magnetic. (Studios, 2017) [7] Beryllium is used in high-technology products, such as aerospace components, transistors, nuclear reactors, and golf clubs. ("Beryllium health and environment", 2017) [1] Emerald is an exquisite form of beryllium mineral having traces of chromium that add a green hue to the stone. ("Beryllium", 2017) [2]

Source: (Studios, A. R. (n.d.). Beryllium [Digital image]) [12]

Contact with beryllium in its innate forms is not known to cause negative health effects. Industrial activities like coal incineration, and home heating oil or the processing of earth-based ingredients into stuff such as fertilizers can also release beryllium into air and water. ("Beryllium Found in the Environment", 2017) [3] Beryllium in soil can pass into the plants grown on it, provided it in a soluble form. Typical levels in plants vary between 1 and 40 ppb, too low to affect animals which eat these plants. ("Berryllium (Be) - Chemical properties, Health and Environmental effects", 2017)

Other potential exposures to beryllium in the general population from consumer products are limited but may include leaching of beryllium from beryllium–nickel dental alloys (Covington et al., 1985) and emission of beryllium from the mantle of gas lanterns (Griggs, 1973). Non-occupational beryllium contact-sensitivity has been reported in individuals fitted with beryllium-containing dental prostheses. (Leslie Galloway/ UTK/ORNL/Template design: G. Wolfgang / June 8, 2017) [8] Beryllium toxicity is mainly an occupational disease linked to processing of beryllium via exposure to beryllium dust or fumes in the industries. Historically beryllium poisoning occurred, during the production of fluorescent and neon lamps when beryllium was used to coat their inner surface. In these circumstances secondary cases of occupational beryllium poisoning occurred in the families of workers via dust carried home in clothing (Hardy, 1965).

Airborne particles of beryllium metal, alloys, oxides, and ceramics are the key route of human exposure. Beryllium particles are respired into the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Hand-to-mouth exposures and skin contact with ultrafine particles can likewise happen. ("Beryllium", 2017) [2] Beryllium and its compounds are poisonous and cancer-causing. It is not good even in low doses as it causes temporary health problems such as eye and skin irritation. ("Beryllium - Element information,