Toxic Tuesdays

Beryllium is a metal element found in rocks, soil, and coal. It is light and strong, making it useful in the fields of electronics, particle physics, aerospace, medicine, and dentistry. One form of beryllium, called beryl, is commonly known as the gemstones emerald and aquamarine. Beryllium is mined all over the world, including in the United States, for use in these industries.

Because beryllium is a chemical element, it does not break down in the environment. If released from rocks or soil, it can enter bodies of water where it can settle in sediment and can contaminate groundwater. It can also be carried by dust or rain, so it can travel long distances from its original source. This movement of beryllium in the environment can occur naturally through erosion as well as through human mining activity.

People can become exposed to beryllium if they live near facilities that mine it, use it for industrial purposes, or dispose of waste from these industries. They can be exposed through inhaling contaminated air, drinking contaminated water, or eating vegetables grown in contaminated soil. Beryllium is also present in cigarettes, so people who smoke can also be exposed. People who work in facilities that use beryllium are the most likely to be exposed to it. Inhaling air contaminated with beryllium can cause minor symptoms shortness of breath as well as irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can also cause much more serious symptoms like lung damage. The US Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have both determined that beryllium can cause cancer in humans. Occupational exposure to beryllium has been linked to lung cancer. Groundwater near some Superfund sites that contain beryllium is known to be contaminated, demonstrating that the threat to human health from beryllium is a real concern even though it is used only in specialized settings.