Beryllium
Ready to Help Whenever You Need Us
We know who to talk to, where to find answers, and what steps you need to take. Let us put our 30 years of experience to work for you. What is Beryllium?
Beryllium, a metal, is lightweight, hard, non-magnetic and resistant to heat, making it a good electrical and thermal conductor. It is now widely used in numerous industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics and telecommunications. Beryllium can also be found in dental work, bicycle frames and tools, and dyes.
The Dangers of Beryllium
Beryllium, a chemical used in many industries, is a toxic substance that can be harmful. Exposure to it can result in serious injury and even death. An estimated 2 to 6 percent of workers exposed to beryllium eventually develop beryllium disease – scarring of the lung that leads to lung cancer. Of those workers, up to one third will die as a result of their exposure to beryllium dust and fumes. Approximately 800,000 workers in the United States work with and around beryllium.
The industries in which beryllium can be found include:
- Electronics (transistors, heat sinks, x-ray windows)
- Atomic energy (heat shields, nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons)
- Laboratory work (research and development, metallurgy, chemistry)
- Metal working (pure beryllium, copper and aluminum alloys, jet brake pads, aerospace components)
- Ceramic manufacturing (semi-conductor chips, ignition modules, crucibles, jet engine blades, rocket covers)
- Extraction (ore and scrap metal)
- Dental work (alloys and crowns, bridges, dental plates)
If you or someone you love has been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.
