Back to home
Back to the First Semester
Beryllium
Бериллий
Element: Be
English: Beryllium
Russian: Бериллий (berillij)
Atomic weight (a.u.): 9.012182
Use by human
- Commercial
- Beryllium copper and other materials containing beryllium, are widely used within technological and industial areas.
Beryllium copper and beryllium containing alloy products have made possible, by meens of alloy metallurgy and casting technology, development and implementation of highly effecient manufacturing systems.
The characteristics of the material (high melting point, transparent to X-rays, resistant to oxidation in normal temperatures, et.c) makes it a suitable material for a wire range of techniqual equipments: computer memory devices, high-speed aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and communication satellites. Other uses include windshield frame, brake discs, support beams, and other structural components of the space shuttle.
Beryllium is used in nuclear reactors as a reflector or moderator for it has a low thermal neutron absorption cross section.
It is used in gyroscopes, computer parts, and instruments where lightness, stiffness, and dimensional stability are required.
Biological importance
Beryllium and beryllic compounds are toxic and should be handled with great care. No biological functions in organic systems are known.
All though, beryllium can cause "Beryllium Disease" (Berylliosis)
Beryllium disease often affects the lungs and immune system. The disease occurs when people inhale beryllium dust or fumes. Skin disease with poor wound healing and rash or wart-like bumps can also occur. This might be another route for becoming allergic to beryllium. A person can develop beryllium disease even after being away from the beryllium industry for many years. There are two major forms of beryllium disease:
-
Acute Beryllium Disease
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.
-
Chronic Beryllium Disease
Chronic Beryllium Disease ("Chronic Berylliosis") has a slower onset. It still occurs in 2-6% of exposed people. It is caused by an allergic reaction to beryllium. Even brief or small exposures can lead to this disease.
-
Other beryllium-related disorders
Other beryllium-related disorders include dermatitis, skin granulomas, liver, spleen, heart, conjunctive (eye) and kidney involvement. These often occur in the presence of the chronic lung disease.
Beryllium has been shown to cause cancer in humans and in many species of animals. Workers in some beryllium producing facilities have had an increased rate of lung cancer, as have beryllium patients whose cases were reported in the U.S. Beryllium Case Registry. Beryllium has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
URL web-sites
Back to home
©
Santesson Elly, 2004