Beryllium Skin Granulomas From a Broken Fluorescent Tube: Report of a Case

Acute Pneumonitis in a Beryllium worker

“…Of the signs, cyanosis was usual, with rapid pulse, reduced vital capacity, and fine rales scattered throughout the lungs. X-ray changes were not usually present until two to three weeks after the onset of the disease and were as already described (Van Ordstrand et al, 1943). They cleared in from one to four months, and it is emphasized that as a rule this was before complete subsidence of the symptoms or disappearance of the physical signs, though in one case they persisted for a further two months.…”

“…The erythrocyte sedimentation rates were essentially normal, and blood counts and blood chemistry were also normal. Tubercle bacilli have not been found (Van Ordstrand et al, 1945). Reports on the morbid anatomy consist of five cases described as a typical pneumonitis (Van Ordstrand et al, 1945).…”

“…Tubercle bacilli have not been found (Van Ordstrand et al, 1945). Reports on the morbid anatomy consist of five cases described as a typical pneumonitis (Van Ordstrand et al, 1945). The salient features appear to be grossly heavy lungs (1,100-1,380 g.) with diffuse pulmonary oedema and haemorrhagic extravasation, considerable plasma-cell infiltration with a relative absence of polymorphonuclear cells, and some evidence of organization.…”

Mitogenic Effect of Beryllium Sulfate on Mouse B Lymphocytes but Not T Lymphocytes in vitro

“…Beryllium causes granuloma formation in lung and skin [16][17][18][19]. In experimental models as well as in humans with exposure and/or disease, beryllium induces delayed-type hypersensi tivity reactions which can be transferred by lympho cytes but not by serum [20][21][22][23].…”

Keeping Beryllium Workers Safe: An Enhanced Preventive Model

“…(8) Implantation of oxide or metal in or through the skin was known to result in dermal granulomas. (24)(25)(26) The company also had long recognized the occurrence of dermatitis, both allergic and irritant, in its own workers exposed to beryllium salts, such as beryllium fluoride and beryllium sulfate, which was controlled either with transfer to other beryllium jobs without salt exposure or with skin exposure reduction.…”