Newly Diagnosed Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) in Former Beryllium Workers

Details

• Personal Author:
  Aronchick J ; Bush A ; Hertzberg V ; Parker J ; Regovich J ; Reilly MJ ; Rice C ; Rosenman, Kenneth D. ; Rossman MD
• Description:
  In a survey of two former beryllium (Be) processing plants, 1,464 individuals participated in medical screening including chest x-ray, spirometry and blood BE proliferation testing (LPT). 48 cases of definite CBD (evidence of granuloma (by biopsy) and positive Be LPT) were diagnosed. 31 (64%) of these cases were newly identified cases of CBD. All cases had complete PFTs, chest radiography, bronchoscopy, and standardized examination. The 31 newly identified cases of CBD had a mean exposure of 9.6 years and the average year of the last exposure was 1974. 16 were ever smokers and 15 never smokers. No respiratory symptoms were reported in only 6 (19%), 21 complained of cough, and 11 of shortness of breath. Chest examination was normal in 25 (81%), 3 had rales and 3 had wheezing. Chest x-rays had interstitial changes in only 10 (32%). The vital capacity was reduced (<80% of predicted) in 11, the total lung capacity was reduced in 4, the FEV1.0 was reduced in 17 (55%) and the Dlco was reduced in 15 (48%). A restrictive pattern was observed in 7 and obstructive in 8. Blood LPT to beryllium was 19.0 +-3.6 and BAL LPT to beryllium was 107.7+-21.8. Negative BAL LPT was observed in 7 (4 smokers and 3 non-smokers). These results demonstrate 64% of definite CBD was unrecognized in this population, both obstructive and restrictive patterns were seen on pulmonary function and equal numbers of smokers and non-smokers were represented. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Beryllium Blood Hematologic Tests Lung Occupational Health Radiography Respiratory Function Tests Respiratory System Safety Smokers
• Keywords:
  Beryllium-compounds Beryllium-disease Beryllium-poisoning Blood-samples Blood-sampling Blood-tests Chest-X-rays Medical-examinations Medical-research Medical-screening Pulmonary-function Smoking Spirometry

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• ISSN:
  1073-449X
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Georgia ; Michigan ; Ohio ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 4 ; OSHA Region 5 ; Pennsylvania
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  165
• Issue:
  8
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20022799
• Citation:
  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002 Apr; 165(8)(Suppl):A49
• CAS Registry Number:
  Beryllium (CAS RN 7440-41-7)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2002
• Performing Organization:
  Michigan State University
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  19950930
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2002 International Conference, The American Thoracic Society, Atlanta Georgia, May 17-22, 2002
• Supplement:
  Suppl
• End Date:
  20010929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:b44c9d320c46790d21ee47c6c13a7e8704ad7dbaf6af7f02652009690655fd5248c95303eb7a4a7bfb11ac972185dd9c6bac17198f6163f7d565b55a756f12b5
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/199442/cdc_199442_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 835.41 KB ]