11. Toxicity and protection

Beryllium and its derivatives are toxic by dust inhalation and skin contact. However, ingestion of beryllium and its compounds has no significant effects. Particular operations generate fine particles: grinding, polishing and grinding of metal, oxide or alloys are potentially harmful operations and require effective ventilation. The same applies to drilling and dry sawing, which produce large quantities of dust. Rolling, stamping and drawing, on the other hand, do not generate fine particles, and workshop concentrations do not exceed the limits. The copper-beryllium alloy presents a particular hazard, as the vapor pressure of beryllium is higher than that of copper.

According to Petzow et al. [32] , inhalation of beryllium dusts, fumes and vapors or its compounds can affect the bronchi and lungs....