[Berylliosis in the work environment: etiology and medical treatment].
Beryllium is a metal responsible for the incidence of chronic beryllium disease--an illness affecting from 2 to 5% of workers exposed to this metal and its compounds. There is a growing evidence provided by epidemiological and toxicological studies that exposure limits for workers dealing with beryllium should be revised. This paper gathers epidemiological and pathological data particularly on chronic beryllium toxicity and carcinogenesis. It also reviews the most important aspects of beryllium toxicology and explains the mechanisms of its effect on humans. In addition, the paper presents suggestions on the diagnosis and treatment of berylliosis. The content of the paper is based on medical data, as well as on reference materials of national and international organizations and governmental agencies.
Sieradzki
Adrian
A
Katedry i Kliniki Chorób Wewnetrznych, Zawodowych i Nadciśnienia Tetniczego Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu.
Andrzejak
Ryszard
R
Sieradzka
Urszula
U
D001607:Berylliosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control