What are the effects of beryllium exposure?
The health effects associated with beryllium exposure depend on the amount and length of exposure. Beryllium can be harmful if you breathe it. If beryllium air levels are high enough, breathing it in can result in an acute condition called acute beryllium disease, which resembles pneumonia. Individuals who become sensitive to beryllium (beryllium sensitization) and develop an allergic-type reaction may contract Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD), an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system. CBD can cause weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and can also result in anorexia, weight loss, and, in advanced cases, right side heart enlargement and heart disease.
