Beryllium (vvImp)

Hard Shiny metal, resembles Steel in appearance, but its chemical properties are similar to those of aluminium & magnesium. It has dual Effect - Pneumoconeosis as well as on the Systems. Principle Uses:- 1) To manufacture alloy

2) High Performance & High reliability Electric Connectors3) Used in Computers & Telecommunication4) Oil Drilling Equipment5) Aircraft landing Bearings

Taxicity:- Acute:- 1) It is a direct irritant to Respiratory tract leading to a) Nesopharyngitis b) Tracheobronchitis c) Chemical Pneumonitis

2) skin Diseases:- a) Formation of a non caseating granuloma mainly due to a cut by Fluorescence Tube b) Contac Dermatitis

Chronic:- Known as Chronic Beryllium Disese. It is a condition associated with Pulmonary Granuloma, formed as a result of inhaled beryllium dust. The latent period is 10-15 years. Symptoms:- a) Breathlessness on exertion followed by b) Fatigue & c) Weight loss d) Chest & Joint Pain e) Cough Signs:- a) Skin rash b) Lymphadenopathy c) Hepato Spleeno Megale d) Crackels (Rhonci)on both sides e) Finger clubbingFinger clubbing in Occupational Exposure is Found in Arsenic & Beryllium.X-Ray:- 1) Diffuse Pulmonary Infiltration

2) Bilateral Hilar LymphadenopathyThese opacities may be a)Grannuloma b)Nodular c) Linear or d) Mixed3) Evidence of collapse mainly upper lobe4) Calcification of opacities & Lymph Nodes5) Pleural thickening6) Cyst Formation7) Pneumothorax

Not proved as CarcinogenicTreatment :- 1) Prevention:- Withdrawal from Exposure

2) Steroids3) Steroid Resistant Cases:- Immunosuppressive Agents, Mainly Cyclophosphomide4) Symptomatic treatment for Chest Infection, Hypoxia & Right Heart Failure.