Beryllium
Beryllium
— a silver-gray metal with a density of 1.85 g/cm3 and
a high stiffness — is frequently used at LLE as a blast shield for
x-ray optics,
a filter material for x-ray diagnostics, and a vacuum window for KB microscopes
and pinhole cameras. It is also used for specialized targets shot
on the OMEGA laser.
Beryllium in powder or dust form can cause a respiratory disease called chronic
beryllium disease (CBD). Beryllium and beryllium compounds are also classified
as known carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program's Board of Scientific
Counselors. The degree of hazard is a function of the differing toxicity
of the various forms of beryllium and of the type and magnitude of beryllium
exposure. The chemical form, physical form, and morphology of beryllium
are important in determining its toxicity.
Researchers believe that beryllium oxide may be the primary chemical form of
beryllium that causes CBD. Particles initially generated as metallic beryllium
develop a coating of beryllium oxide because small beryllium metal particles
readily oxidize in ambient air. The beryllium oxide coating of respirable-size
beryllium metal particles makes up 25% to 30% of the particle
by weight. Beryl and other ores contain beryllium silicate; mining and
milling of
these materials has not been associated with the disease. For more information
about beryllium see the links below.
PDF format of Beryllium Safety (LLE INST 6706E)
DOE Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program
