Working environment factors
How does Beryllium affect workers’ health?
Mar
Beryllium (Be) is a toxic metal that can pose a danger to the health of workers in manufacturing plants. This article will help you understand the negative impacts of beryllium, how to prevent them, and how to protect the health of workers when exposed to this chemical.
1. What is Beryllium?
Beryllium is a chemical element with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. It belongs to the alkaline earth metal group in the periodic table and is one of the rare metals with special properties. Beryllium is silvery-gray, very light, and hard, with a high melting point (1287°C). Therefore, beryllium is used in applications that require durability and high heat resistance, such as in the aerospace and electronics industries, and in the production of lightweight yet strong alloys.
One of the notable properties of beryllium is its good thermal conductivity and its resistance to corrosion by most chemicals. However, beryllium is also very toxic to humans with long-term exposure or inhalation of beryllium dust. These characteristics make beryllium an important material in industries, but they also necessitate strict safety measures when working with it.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Beryllium | Beryllium | 811211 | 7440-41-7 | Be |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Beryllium originate from in the production process?
During production, the source of beryllium primarily comes from the processing of beryllium-containing alloys or materials. When carrying out tasks such as cutting, grinding, welding, or crushing these materials, dust and fumes containing beryllium can be generated. These activities release beryllium in the form of small particles that can remain in the air, posing a hazard to workers who inhale them.
Additionally, beryllium can also be generated when beryllium-containing equipment or products are damaged, or during the recycling or waste treatment processes involving this metal. Industries such as aviation, defense, electronics, and mechanical equipment manufacturing are places with a high risk of beryllium generation during production. These sources require protective measures and air quality control in the work environment.
3. Industries that use Beryllium in production
Industries that use beryllium in production are often related to fields requiring materials with superior mechanical and thermal properties. One of the typical industries is aerospace, where beryllium is used to manufacture lightweight but durable components that can withstand high heat and pressure. In addition, the defense industry also uses beryllium in the production of weapons, especially in parts of missiles, warheads, and other military equipment.
In the electronics industry, beryllium is used to produce alloys in electronic devices, mobile phones, computers, and other electronic components due to its good electrical and thermal conductivity. The optical and X-ray equipment manufacturing industry also uses beryllium to create optical windows for cameras and specialized medical devices.
Beryllium is also applied in the mechanical parts manufacturing industry, such as in the production of cutting tools, casting molds, as well as in electronic products and communication equipment. The mining and metal processing industries may also generate beryllium during the processing of ores or the recycling of materials containing this metal.
4. How does Beryllium affect workers?
When workers are exposed to beryllium in the workplace, the risk to their health is very high. Beryllium can enter the body through the respiratory tract by inhaling dust or fumes containing beryllium during processing or production. These dust particles are very small and can easily enter the lungs, causing serious respiratory problems.
One of the most common diseases related to beryllium exposure is berylliosis, a chronic inflammatory lung condition. This disease can develop over time and cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. People with long-term exposure to beryllium, especially in industries with high levels of exposure, are at a very high risk of developing this disease.
In addition, beryllium can also cause skin problems, such as dermatitis or allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to this metal. Direct contact with beryllium or its compounds can lead to this condition, affecting the long-term health of workers.
Research also indicates that, in addition to respiratory and skin diseases, exposure to beryllium can affect the body’s immune system, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases or other health problems. Therefore, protecting workers from the harmful effects of beryllium is extremely important.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Beryllium for human exposure
In the work environment, exposure to beryllium must be strictly controlled to ensure worker safety. According to the regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the concentration of beryllium in the air must not exceed 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) over an 8-hour workday. However, this level may vary depending on the regulations of each country and specific working conditions.
Compliance with regulations on safe beryllium concentrations is very important to minimize the risk of beryllium-related diseases, such as berylliosis. Therefore, preventive measures must be strictly applied, including improving ventilation systems, using personal protective equipment, and organizing regular health check-ups for workers.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Beryllium. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Beryllium on worker health
To minimize the effects of beryllium on worker health, safety measures must be strictly applied in the workplace. One of the important measures is to control the level of beryllium dust in the air. Industrial ventilation and dust extraction systems need to be properly installed and maintained to ensure that beryllium dust does not spread into the work environment, minimizing the risk of inhalation by workers.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, including dust masks, gloves, and protective clothing. Proper use of protective equipment helps to limit direct contact with beryllium and minimize the risk of poisoning through the respiratory tract or skin.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the risks and preventive measures when working with beryllium is also an important factor. Workers need to understand safety procedures, how to use protective equipment, and the importance of complying with occupational safety regulations.
Besides, regular health check-ups for workers are a necessary preventive measure. Medical tests help to detect early signs of beryllium poisoning, allowing for timely intervention before serious illness develops.
Finally, improving working conditions and minimizing exposure time to beryllium are important factors in protecting worker health. Companies should apply these measures strictly to ensure the safety of workers and minimize the negative health effects of beryllium.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated about the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environmental monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, and from there, adjusting to reduce the level of harm to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide customers with the best and most suitable things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Coming to the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service with experts in the field of monitoring. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environmental monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environmental monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. You can be completely confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, you can easily choose the service packages that suit your needs. We are committed to bringing you the highest satisfaction with our professional service quality.
