7440-41-7

Beryllium is a brittle, steel-gray metal found as a component of coal, oil, certain rock minerals, volcanic dust, and soil. It reacts with strong acids and strong bases forming flammable/explosive gas. It has several applications in the aerospace, nuclear, and manufacturing industries. In addition, beryllium is amazingly versatile as a metal alloy where it is used in dental appliances, golf clubs, non-sparking tools, wheel chairs, and electronic devices. Beryllium is used in alloys with a number of metals, including steel, nickel, magnesium, zinc, and aluminum, the most widely used alloy being beryllium-copper—properly called “a bronze”—which has a high tensile strength and a capacity for being hardened by heat treatment. Beryllium bronzes are used in non-spark tools, electrical switch parts, and watch springsOne of the largest uses of the metal is as a moderator of thermal neutrons in nuclear reactors and as a refl ector to reduce the leakage of neutrons from the reactor core. A mixed uranium-beryllium source is often used as a neutron source. As a foil, beryllium is used as window material in x-ray tubes. Its lightness, high elastic modulus, and heat stability make it an attractive material for the aircraft and aerospace industry. Berylliumores are used to make special ceramics for electrical and high-technology applications. Beryllium alloys are used in automobiles, computers, sports equipment (golf clubs and bicycle frames), and dental bridges. It used in nuclear reactors as a refl ector or moderator because it has a low thermal neutron absorption cross section. It is used in gyroscopes, computer parts, and instruments where lightness, stiffness, and dimensional stability are required. The oxide has a very high melting point and is also used in nuclear work and ceramic applications. Normally, the general population is exposed to low levels of beryllium in air, food, and water. People working in industries where beryllium is mined, processed, machined, or converted into metal, alloys, and other chemicals, may be exposed to high levels of beryllium. People living near these industries may also be exposed to higher than normal levels of beryllium in air. People living near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites may be exposed to higher than normal levels of beryllium.

ChEBI: Alkaline earth metal atom with atomic number 4.

Source of neutrons when bombarded with alpha particles according to the equation 94Be + 42He 612C + 10n. This yields about 30 neutrons per million alpha particles. Also as neutron reflector and neutron moderator in nuclear reactors. In beryllium copper and beryllium aluminum alloys (by direct reduction of beryllium oxide with carbon in the presence of Cu or Al). In aerospace, aircraft and satellite structures; x-ray transmission windows; missile parts; nuclear weapons; fuel containers; precision instruments; rocket propellants; navigational systems; heat shields; and mirrors. For fiber optics and cellular network communications systems.

A grayish-white hard light metal. Denser than water, but the powder may float. May be toxic by inhalation. Will burn if involved in a fire.

Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals except magnesium [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Finely divided or amalgamated metal reacts with HCl, dil HNO3, or dil H2SO4; attacked by strong base with evolution of hydrogen gas [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. BERYLLIUM POWDER(7440-41-7) has been determined experimentally that a mixture of BERYLLIUM POWDER(7440-41-7) with carbon tetrachloride or with trichloroethylene will flash or spark on heavy impact [ASESB Pot. Incid. 39 1968]. The reaction between beryllium and the vapors of phosphorus proceeds with incandescence [Mellor 8:842 1946-47].

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

A confirmed carcinogen. Very high toxicity, especially by inhalation of dust.

Any dramatic, unexplained weight loss should be considered as possible first indication of beryllium disease. Dust is extremely toxic when inhaled; symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and acute or chronic lung disease. There is no record of illness from ingestion of beryllium. Contact with dust causes conjunctival inflammation of eyes and dermatitis.

Beryllium and its compounds are highly toxic substances. Beryllium can affect all organ systems, although the primary organ involved is the lung. Beryllium causes systemic disease by inhalation and can distribute itself widely throughout the body after absorption from the lungs. The signs and symptoms of chronic beryllium poisoning include, cough, chest pain, fatigue, dyspnea, anorexia, cyanosis, cubbing, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly with complications of cardiac failure, renal stone, and pneumothorax. Little beryllium is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Beryllium can cause skin irritation and its traumatic introduction into subcutaneous tissue can cause local irritation and granuloma formation. Beryllium is a potent inhibitor of various enzymes of phosphate metabolism, particularly of alkaline phosphatase. The health hazards of beryllium are almost exclusively confi ned to inhalation exposure and skin contactBeryllium and its salts are toxic and should be handled with the greatest of care. Beryllium and its compounds should not be tasted to verify its sweetish nature. Ingestion and breathing of beryllium is harmful. Acute exposures to high levels of beryllium cause mild infl ammation of the nasal mucous membranes and pharynx, rhinitis and pharyngitis, tracheo-bronchitis, and pneumonitis. The symptoms of acute pneumonitis are cough, respiratory distress, substernal discomfort or pain, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, chest pain, and cyanosis.Beryllium can be very harmful when humans breathe it in, because it can damage the lungs and cause pneumonia. The most commonly known effect of beryllium is called berylliosis, a dangerous and persistent lung disorder that can also damage other organs, such as the heart. In about 20% of all cases, people die of this disease. Breathing in beryllium in the workplace causes berylliosis. People that have weakened immune systems are most susceptible to this disease. Beryllium can also cause allergic reactions with people that are hypersensitive to this chemical and cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The symptoms are weakness, tiredness, and breathing problems. Some people that suffer from CBD will develop anorexia and blueness of hands and feet. Sometimes, people can even be in such a serious condition that CBD can cause their death. Next to causing berylliosis and CBD, beryllium can also increase the chances of developing cancer and DNA damage. Chronic beryllium disease is a pulmonary and systemic granulomatous disease caused by inhalation of beryllium. The latency of the disease can be from 1 to 30 years, most commonly occurring 10–15 years after fi rst exposure. From the reported use pattern of beryllium, it can be deduced that toxicologically relevant exposure to beryllium is largelyconfi ned to the workplace. Only a few exposure situations have been reported for the general population

Beryllium is used extensively in manufacturing electrical components, chemicals, ceramics, nuclear reactors; in the aerospace industry; and X-ray tubes. Beryllium and Compounds 423 A number of alloys are produced in which beryllium is added to yield greater tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and fatigue. The metal is used as a neutron reflector in high-flux test reactors. Human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes by beryllium ore miners, beryllium alloy makers and fabricators; phosphor manufacturers; ceramic workers; missile technicians; nuclear reactor workers; electric and electronic equipment workers; and jewelers. The major source of beryllium exposure of the general population is thought to be the burning of coal. Approximately 250,000 pounds of beryllium is released from coal and oil-fired burners. EPA estimates the total release of beryllium to the atmosphere from point sources is approximately 5500 pounds per year. The principal emissions are from beryllium copper alloy production. Approximately 721,000 persons living within 12.5 mi (20 km) of point sources are exposed to small amounts of beryllium (median concentration 0.005 μ/m3). Levels of beryllium have been reported in drinking water supplies and in small amounts in food.

Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.

UN1567: Beryllium powder, Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1—Poisonous material, 4.1—Flammable solid.

Beryllium metal reacts with strong acids; alkalis (forming combustible hydrogen gas), oxidizable materials. Forms shock sensitive mixtures with some chlorinated solvents, such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene. Incompatible with caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithium.

For beryllium (powder), waste should be converted into chemically inert oxides using incineration and particulate collection techniques. These oxides should be returned to suppliers if possible. Recovery and recycling is an alternative to disposal for beryllium scrap and pickle liquors containing beryllium.

As the first element in group 2 (IIA), beryllium has the smallest, lightest, and most stableatoms of the alkali earth metals. Its melting point is 1278° C, its boiling point is 2970°C, andits density is 1.8477 g/cm³. Its color is whitish-gray.

The name beryllium comes from the Greek word for be rullos, beryl, and from the Prakrit veruliya, in allusion to become pale in reference to the pale semiprecious gemstone Beryl For about 160 years, beryllium was also known as glucinium (with the accompanying chemical symbol Gl), the name coming from the Greek word for sweet due to the sweet taste of its salts. A bivalent element, beryllium is found in nature as a combination with other elements in minerals. Notable gemstones which contain beryllium include Beryl (Aquamarine, Emerald) and Crysoberyl. The free element is a steelgray, strong, lightweight, brittle, alkaline earth metal with an atomic weight of 9.01218 g/mol. It is primarily used as a hardening agent in alloys, notably beryllium copper. Structurally, beryllium s very low density (1.85 times that of water), high melting point (1278°C), high temperature stability, and low coefficient of thermal expansion, make it in many ways an ideal aerospace material, and it has been used in rocket nozzles and is a significant component of future-planned space telescopes. Because of its relatively high transparency to X-rays and other ionizing radiation types, beryllium metal also has a number of uses as filters and windows for radiation and particle physics experiments. Commercial use of beryllium metal presents technical challenges due to the toxicity (especially by inhalation) of beryllium-containing dusts. Beryllium produces a direct corrosive effect to human tissue, and can cause a chronic life-threatening allergic disease called Berylliosis in susceptible persons.
Beryllium is a relatively rare element in both the Earth and the Universe because it is not formed in conventional stellar nucleosynthesis. It more accurately was formed during the “Big Bang”, and later from the action of cosmic rays on interstellar dust.

Of beryllium s isotopes, only 9Be is stable andthe others are relatively unstable or rare. It is thus a mono-nuclide element. Cosmogenic ¹⁰Be is produced in the atmosphere by cosmic ray spallation of oxygen and nitrogen. Cosmogenic ¹⁰Be accumulates at the soil surface, where its relatively long half-life (1.51 million years) permits a long residence time before decaying to ⁹Be. Thus, ¹⁰Be and its daughter products have been used to examine soil erosion and soil formation from regolith (which is soil formed by material originating through rock weathering or plant growth), the development of lateritic soils as well as variations in solar activity, and the age of ice cores. Solar activity is inversely correlated with ¹⁰Be production, because the solar wind decreases the flux of galactic cosmic rays which reach the Earth. Beryllium-10 is also formed in nuclear explosions by a reaction of fast neutrons with 13C in the carbon dioxide in air, and is one of the historical indicators of past activity at nuclear test sites.
The fact that ⁷Be and ⁸Be are unstable has profound cosmological consequences as it means that elements heavier than beryllium could not have been produced by nuclear fusion in the “Big Bang” since there was insufficient time during the nucleosynthesis phase of the Big Bang expansion to produce carbon by fusion of ⁴He nuclei. The other factor was the relatively low concentrations of ⁸Be available because of its short half-life. Astronomer Fred Hoyle first showed that the energy levels of ⁸Be and ¹²C allow carbon production by a triple-alpha process in helium-fueled stars where more synthesis timeis available. ⁷Be decays by electron capture. Therefore, its decay rate is dependent upon its electron configurationda rare occurrence in nuclear decay. The shortest-lived known isotope of beryllium is ¹³Be which decays through neutron emission. It has a half-life of 2.7×10²¹s. ⁶Be is also very short lived with a halflife of 4.96×10²¹s. The exotic isotopes ¹¹Be and ¹⁴Be are known to exhibit a “nuclear halo”.

Beryllium was originally known as “glucina” (glucose) from the Greek word glukos, meaning “sugar,” because of the sweet taste of a few of its salt compounds. Later, beryllium was given the Greek name beryllos after the greenish-blue gemstone beryl (emeralds) that was later found to contain the element beryllium.

Since its discovery, beryllium has been classed as the 36th most abundant of the elementsfound in the Earth’s crust. Beryllium’s principle source is a mineral composed of a complex ofberyllium, silicon, and oxygen. It is usually found in deposits as hexagonal crystalline formsin Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and India as well as in Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire,and South Dakota in the United States. Some deposits have been found in Canada. Manycrystals of the mineral may be very large One chunk that measured 27 feet long length andweighed a 25 tons was found in Albany, Maine in 1969.One method of obtaining beryllium metal is by chemical reduction, whereby berylliumoxide is treated with ammonium fluoride and some other heavy metals to remove impuritieswhile yielding beryllium fluoride. This beryllium fluoride is then reduced at high temperaturesusing magnesium as a catalyst, which results in deposits of “pebbles” of metallic beryllium.Another method for obtaining beryllium metal is by electrolysis of a solution of berylliumchloride (BeCl₂) along with NaCl as an electrolyte in solution that is kept molten but belowthe melting point of beryllium. (₄Be has a relatively high melting point of 2,332.4°F.) Theberyllium metal does not collect at the negative cathode as do metals in other electrolyticcells, but rather beryllium metal pieces are found at the bottom of the cell at the end of theprocess.

Beryllium is one-third as dense as aluminum. Fresh-cut surfaces of the metal oxidize,thus resisting further oxidation, as does aluminum. It is a lightweight, hard, brittle metal. Itcan be machined (rolled, stretched, and pounded) into many shapes and is used to producelightweight alloys.

Among structural metals, beryllium (symbolBe) has a unique combination of properties. Ithas low density (two thirds that of aluminum),high modulus per weight (five times that ofultrastrength steels), high specific heat, highstrength per density, excellent dimensionalstability, and transparency to x-rays. Berylliumis expensive, however, and its impactstrength is low compared to values for mostother metals.
Beryllium is a steel-gray lightweight metal,used mainly for its excellent physical propertiesrather than its mechanical properties. Except formagnesium (Mg), it is the lightest in weight ofcommon metals, with a density of 1855 kg/m3.It also has the highest specific heat (1833J/kg K) and a melting point of 1290°C. It isnonmagnetic, has about 40% the electrical conductivityof copper, a thermal conductivity of190 W/m K, high permeability to x-rays, andthe lowest neutron cross section of any metalhaving a melting point above 500°C.

Beryllium and beryllium compounds are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans. Beryllium and beryllium compounds were first listed in the Second Annual Report on Carcinogens as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals. The listing was revised to known to be human carcinogens in the Tenth Report on Carcinogens in 2002.

Beryllium compromises the immune system. Enzymes catalyzed by magnesium or calcium can be inhibited by beryllium; succinic dehydrogenase is activated. Beryllium exposure leads to a deficiency in lung carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Hypercalcemia (excess of calcium in the blood) can occur.

(1) Color Code—Red (powder): FlammabilityHazard: Store in a flammable liquid storage area orapproved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosiveand reactive materials. (2) Color Code—Blue: HealthHazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Berylliummust be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers (such asperchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, andnitrates); and strong acids (such as hydrochloric, sulfuric,and nitric); since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away fromheat. Protect storage containers from physical damage. Useonly nonsparking tools and equipment, especially whenopening and closing containers of beryllium. A regulated,marked area should be established where this chemicalis handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHAStandard 1910.1045.

The space lattice of Beryllium belongs to the hexagonal system, and its close-packed hexagonal lattice has constants of a = 0.228 nm, c = 0.3977 nm (188 ℃).

Beryllium enters the environment principally through emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels and ore processing. Average ambient air concentrations in the United States have been measured at 0.03 ng m^-3, whereas median concentration in cities is 0.2 ng m^-3.
Insolubility of beryllium and many of its compounds can lead to long-term persistence in the environment, as particulates suspended in water until deposition in sediment, or in soils. Concentrations of beryllium in soil are found in the United States, as well as, more recently, in Brazil, Argentina, Madagascar, India, and Russia.
Long-range transport of beryllium is common in continental river systems, whereas brackish mixing zones exhibit scavenging. It is not yet known whether beryllium ceases transport in these estuarine waters and deposits in sediments, or continues to the deep ocean, although beryllium concentrations in deep ocean waters around the world are uniform.