Berylium

9/14/12—FYS

Beryllium

1.      Where/How is it mined? Is it regulated?

a.       Over 95% is obtained by mining minerals containing between 0.3-1.5% beryllium. In the USA it’s mined out of Utah, where it is found close to the surface and can be extracted safely. The earth that is removed for mining is safely restored to the same location. GPS allows for accuracy within 1”. A small portion of beryllium is found in Brazil, Argentina, and other South American Countries. It is found when emerald gemstones are mined.  (http://beryllium.eu/about-beryllium-and-beryllium-alloys/facts-and-figures/beryllium-extraction/) A higher percentage of beryllium is found in the earth.; However, there is less of it in the earth than there is in the United States 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have their own OSHA-approved state plans and standards for regulation.

2.      What are the human health concerns when it is used to manufacture consumer electronics?

a.       As a carcinogen, beryllium can cause lung cancer. The main concern associated with it is the inhalation of dust, fume, or mist. Through this, Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) can develop, which causes harm to the lung. It an also cause a skin disease that causes poor wound healing and wart-like breakouts. (http://ewasteguide.info/node/219)

3.      What documented health impacts are associated with its de-manufacturing?

a.       It can cause more lung and skin disease in those who melt it down than those who simply mine it. (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/index.html)
The main effect of the de-manufacturing of beryllium is CBD. It causes coughing, difficulty breathing, chest and joint pain, weight lost, and fever. (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/beryllium/index.html),
Another illness that results from the de-manufacturing of beryllium is Acute Beryllium Disease (ABD). It's far more rare than CBD but it still exists. Its symptoms are similar to pneumonia or bronchitis and is viewed as a more extreme version of CBD.