What happens to beryllium when it enters the environment?
• Beryllium dust enters the air from burning coal and oil. This beryllium dust will eventually settle over the land and water. • It enters water from erosion of rocks and soil, and from industrial waste. Some beryllium compounds will dissolve in water, but most stick to particles and settle to the bottom. • Most beryllium in soil does not dissolve in water and remains bound to soil. • Beryllium does not accumulate in the food chain.
