INGESTION: Swallowing beryllium oxide dust can be treated by having the affected person drink large quantities of water and
attempting to induce vomiting, if conscious. Obtain medical help.
SKIN: Skin cuts and abrasions should be treated by standard first aid. Skin contamination can be removed by washing with soap and
water. Obtain medical help if irritation persists. Accidental implementation of this material beneath the skin requires it be removed to
prevent infection or development of a corn-like lesion.
EYES: Dust should be flushed from the eyes with a lot of clean water. Obtain medical help if irritation persists. Contact lenses
should not be worn when working with metal dusts and powders because the contact lens must be removed to provide adequate
treatment.
Treatment of Chronic Beryllium Disease: There is not known treatment which will cure chronic beryllium disease. Prednisone or
the corticosteroids are the most specific treatment available. They are directed at suppressing the immunological reaction and have
been effective in diminishing many signs and symptoms of chronic beryllium disease. In cases where steroid therapy has had only a
partial or minimal effectiveness, other immuno-suppressive agents, such as cyclophospharnide, cyclosporine, or methotrexate, have
been used. These latter agents remain investigational. Further, in view of the potential side effects of all the immuno-suppressive
medications, including steroids such as prednisone, they should be used only under the direct care of a physician. In general, these
medications should be reserved for cases with significant symptoms and/or significant loss of lung function. Other symptomatic
treatment, such as oxygen, inhaled steroids or bronchodilatores, may be used by some physicians and
are effective in selected cases.
The decision about when and with what medication to treat is judgement situation for individual physicians. For the most
part, treatment is reserved for those persons with symptoms and measurable loss of lung function. The value of starting oral steroid
treatment, before signs or symptoms are evident, remains a medically unresolved issue currently under study. Some physicians are
concerned that their patients may develop a resistance to medication if it is started too soon.
The effects of continued low exposure to beryllium are unknown for individuals who are sensitized to beryllium or who have
diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease. This uncertainty leads some physicians to advise a reduction or elimination of further
exposure to beryllium. However, some individuals have developed CBD or have gradually become worse after removal from further
exposure. Others have continued to work in the beryllium industry without any additional, or accelerated, loss of lung function.
VI
REACTIVITY DATA
General Reactivity: This material is stable
Incompatibility (Materials to avoid): NA
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal conditions of use
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Ecological Information: This material is insoluble in water. This material can be recycled.
VII
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: In solid form this material poses no health or environmental risk. If this
material is in powder or dust form, establish a restricted entry zone based on the severity of the spill. Persons entering the restricted
zone must wear adequate respiratory protection and protective clothing appropriate for the severity of the spill. Cleanup should be
conducted with a vacuum system utilizing a high efficiency particulate air filtration system followed by wet cleaning methods.
Special care must be taken when changing filters on HEPA vacuum cleaners when used to clean up potentially toxic materials.
Caution should be taken to minimize airborne generation of powder or dust and avoid contamination of air and water. Depending
upon the quantity of material released, fine powder or dust spills to the environment may require reporting the National Response
Center at (800) 424-8802 as well as the State Emergency Response Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Handling and Storage: Wear gloves when handling to prevent cuts and skin abrasions. Store in a dry area.
Ventilation and Engineering Controls: Whenever possible, the use of local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls is the
preferred method of controlling exposure to airborne dust and fume. Where utilized, pickups on flexible ventilation lines should be
positioned as close to the source of airborne contamination as possible. Disruption of the airflow in the area of a local exhaust inlet,
such as by a man cooling fan, should be avoided. Ventilation equipment should be checked regularly to ensure it is functioning
properly. Ventilation training is recommended for all users. Ventilation systems designed and installed by qualified professionals.