Beryllium in the Workplace

On August 5, 2015 the New York Times published an article called OSHA to Propose Beryllium Limit in the Works Since 1975. This article described the danger of having too much beryllium in a workplace and what to do to bring the exposure down. Beryllium is a naturally occurring metal that after long exposure can cause a respiratory ailment called chronic beryllium disease. This problem lasted about forty years being stalled and the debate of the problem were ignored. This is a major healthcare problem. Dr. Lee Newman, an occupational expert said, “ that while he was heartened by the new proposal, the long delay had exacted a large human toll.”

A HOSA agent spokesman said, “official estimated that there were about 245 new cases every year.” That seems to be more exposures than what can be lowered. Depending on this exposure level and average 1 out of 10 people exposed can get this disease. Researchers say the the exposure should be monitored annually. This is due to the fact that, in some people, beryllium exposure can cause immunological reaction similar to an allergy. This exposure over time can cause build ups of scar tissue that leads to a reduction of oxygen processes and leading to imminent death. Dr. Newmans helped to correct this problem by helping to set federal standards from exposure of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of beryllium to about 0.2 micrograms. This was a significant drop that in the future will hopefully keep this disease down and keep workers safe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/business/osha-to-propose-beryllium-limit-in-the-works-since-1975.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FOccupational%20Safety%20and%20Health%20Administration&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=collection