Beryllium copper alloy (2%) causes chronic beryllium disease.
We describe two newly confirmed cases of chronic beryllium disease who presented to our clinic from a facility that only used 2% beryllium copper alloy. These cases illustrate that the 2% beryllium copper alloy continues to cause chronic beryllium disease and that appropriate preventive measures must be taken to control exposures and educate industries and their workers about the hazards of beryllium alloys.
Balkissoon
R C
RC
Department of Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colo. 80206, USA.
Newman
L S
LS
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000497:Alloys / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001607:Berylliosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D001608:Beryllium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003300:Copper / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000497:Alloys; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003300:Copper; D011239:Prednisolone; D001608:Beryllium