What does berylliosis mean?
/ bəˌrɪl iˈoʊ sɪs / PHONETIC RESPELLING. 🎓 College Level. noun Pathology. beryllium poisoning, characterized by the formation of granulomas, primarily affecting the lungs and causing a cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
What are the health effects of beryllium?
* Breathing Beryllium can irritate the nose, throat and lungs, causing nasal discharge, tightness in the chest, cough, shortness of breath, and/or fever. Bronchitis and/or pneumonia may occur 1-2 days after high exposure. * Eye contact can cause irritation, itching and burning. * Beryllium is a CARCINOGEN in humans.
What is berylliosis and how is it prevented?
Avoiding exposure to beryllium is the most effective way to prevent chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The employer and all employees must make an effort to minimize and avoid exposure.
How long does it take to get berylliosis?
The latency period between beryllium exposure and the onset of symptoms varies from three months to 30 years[9]. Common symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, dry cough, and fatigue.
What are the symptoms of berylliosis?
Symptoms and findings associated with the disorder may include dry coughing; increasing shortness of breath (dyspnea); chest pain; fatigue; fever; night sweats; lack of appetite (anorexia); weight loss; and enlargement of lymph nodes. Some may also develop reddened patches or small raised spots on the skin.
Who gets berylliosis?
Berylliosis occurs in 2 to 5% of workers exposed to beryllium and is a systemic disease that results in the formation of abnormal inflammatory nodules, or granulomas, in the lungs and other parts of the body. It is the result of an exaggerated immune system response to beryllium.
What are the symptoms of beryllium disease?
Chronic Beryllium Disease – CBD is a chronic granulomatous lung disease caused by inhaling airborne beryllium after becoming sensitized to beryllium. Some common symptoms of CBD are shortness of breath, unexplained coughing, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
What causes berylliosis?
Berylliosis is caused by inhalation of beryllium dusts, fumes, or its compounds or entrance of the substance through the skin.
How common is berylliosis?
Some studies suggest that up to 6% of all cases of sarcoidosis are actually berylliosis. Definitive diagnosis of berylliosis is based on history of beryllium exposures, documented beryllium sensitivity and granulomatous inflammation on lung biopsy.
How do you get berylliosis?
Berylliosis is a form of metal poisoning caused by inhalation of beryllium dusts, vapors, or its compounds or implantation of the substance in the skin. The toxic effects of beryllium most commonly occur due to occupational exposure.
Is beryllium a human carcinogen?
In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies beryllium as a Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans), and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists beryllium as a known human carcinogen.