What is acute beryllium disease?
Acute beryllium disease presents as an acute, toxic, exudative pneumonitis. The alveolar spaces are filled with a protein rich fluid. There are no granulomas. It usually resolves within a few weeks. About 5-10% progress to chronic berylliosis. Acute beryllium disease is characterized by quick onset and its symptoms resemble that of pneumonia or bronchitis. Breathing in relatively high concentrations of beryllium dust or beryllium metal fumes can cause Acute Beryllium Disease. This type of beryllium disease is rare due to protective measures that are now in place in industry. Acute beryllium disease usually has a quick onset and resembles pneumonia or bronchitis. It is now rare due to improved industrial protective measures designed to reduce beryllium exposure levels.
