Acute chemical pneumonitis

Inhalation of beryllium compounds can cause acute chemical pneumonitis, a very rapidly progressing condition in which the entire respiratory tract, including nasal passages, pharynx, tracheobronchial airways, and alveoli, develops an inflammatory reaction. Beryllium fluoride is particularly effective in causing this condition, which has proven fatal in some cases. 

Occupational exposure to beryllium, a hapten, by inhalation of fumes/dust and/or by skin contact may result in one of two conditions that primarily affect the lungs. In acute berylliosis, which may occur following a high concentration exposure, the metal acts as a direct chemical irritant, causing a nonspecific inflammatory reaction (acute chemical pneumonitis). However, a small percentage of those exposed develop beryllium-specific T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity (Type IV) with proliferation and accu-... 

The major toxicological effects of beryllium are on the lung. Acute exposure to soluble beryllium compounds (e.g., fluoride, an intermediate in the ore extraction process) irritates the entire respiratory tract, may produce acute chemical pneumonitis, and can result in fatal pulmonary edema. Hypersensitivity, which appears to be mediated by the immune system, may also occur following exposure. This means that future exposure to beryllium may produce health effects at concentrations lower than those generally associated with the effect (the individual becomes much more sensitive to beryllium). 

Respiratory effects inhalation of metals or metal compounds can lead to acute chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. One must also distinguish between dusts, smoke, and metallic chlorides that lead to production of hydrochloric acid. 

B. After recovery from acute chemical pneumonitis and after chronic low-level exposure to nitrogen oxides, permanent lung disease from bronchiolar damage may become evident. 

The major toxic effect of beryllium in humans is thought to be due to the strongly acidic solutions that are the result of dissolving beryllium salts in water. These solutions will be toxic to tissues and are thought to be the cause of the acute chemical pneumonitis that results from the inhalation of high concentrations of beryllium [12]. In animal experiments, a mild acute chemical pneumonitis occurred when airborne concentrations of beryllium were above 13 p.g Be/liter for 1 hr [13]. It is unlikely that any cases of acute chemical tracheobronchitis or... 

The primary therapeutic intervention is removal from exposure. Corticosteroids, oxygen, rest, and even ventilatory support, if needed, are part of an appropriate treatment regimen. The signs and symptoms of acute chemical pneumonitis may resolve within several weeks to several months. In its most severe form, this acute disease may be fatal. Approximately 17% of the acute cases in the Beryllium Case Registry progressed to CBD (122). It is unclear whether return to work and further beryllium exposure is safe for individuals who have experienced the acute pneumonitis. 

Acute exposure to cadmium may lead to chemical pneumonitis and edema, but is rare nowadays (Herber 1994b). Chronic exposure to Cd affects mostly the renal tubules and the lung. Exposure to Cd can take place both in the occupational and environmental area. 

Acute effects of exposure to cadmium result primarily from local irritation. After ingestion, the main effects are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Inhalation exposure may result in pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis. 

Asbestosis, alveolar damage, diffuse pleural fibrosis, lung cancer Acute upper airway injury, tracheobronchitis, chemical pneumonitis, beryllosis Upper airway injury, pneumonitis Byssinosis... 

Gastric emptying by either lavage or vomiting is contraindicated since there is a danger of pulmonary aspiration and subsequent pneumonitis. If a person is overexposed to oil mist, the victim should be moved to fresh air as quickly as possible and monitored to make sure that chemical pneumonitis is not present. If acute effects of central nervous system depression are present, the appropriate treatment may be indicated. 

Acute berylliosis occurs after an unusually large exposure to beryllium and may lead to chemical pneumonitis. After exposure subsides, lung lesions... 

HUMAN HEALTH RISKS Acute Risks spasms inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi chemical pneumonitis pulmonary edema destructive to mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, eyes, skin coughing wheezing laryngitis headaches nausea Chronic Risks serious nervous system impairment with narcotic effects. 

HUMAN HEALTH RISKS Acute Risks irritation of skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract destructive to mucous membranes headache coughing wheezing chest pains chemical pneumonitis pulmonary edema convulsions nausea Chronic Risks blood disorders liver disorders kidney damage CNS damage heart damage damage to skeletal muscles chromosomal mutation data reported. 

HUMAN HEALTH RISKS EPA group C possible human carcinogen Acute Risks eye, skin, respiratory tract bums nasal constriction gastrointestinal effects throat and skin irritation Chronic Risks effects on blood, liver, kidneys, CNS abdominal pain tumors chemical pneumonitis digestive tract bums. 

HUMAN HEALTH RISKS Acute Risks irritation of nose, throat and skin increased blood pressure pupillary dilatation salivation sedation inflammation and edema of larynx and bronchi chemical pneumonitis pulmonary edema Chronic Risks no information available on... 

HUMAN HEALTH RISKS Acute risks irritation of eyes, skin and mucous membranes congestion in pharynx and trachea skin burns stenosis of upper respiratory system cornea damage polyps Chronic Risks chronic bronchitis bronchial constriction wheezing chemical pneumonitis pulmonary edema. 

ACUTE HEALTH RISKS irritation of skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes inflammation of larynx and bronchi pulmonary edema chemical pneumonitis coughing laryngitis wheezing shortness of breath headache nausea vomiting allergic skin reaction. 

ACUTE HEALTH RISKS irritation to eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract depression of central nervous system headache dizziness drowsiness lassitude weariness excitation shortness of breath sore throat abdominal pain nausea vomiting chemical pneumonitis convulsions exposure to very high levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. 

ACUTE HEALTH RISKS irritation of eyes, skin and upper respiratory tract wheezing difficult breathing chemical pneumonitis pulmonary edema inflammation of larynx and bronchi laryngitis headache nausea vomiting. 

ACUTE HEALTH RISKS corrosive to skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract destructive to tissues of mucous membranes may cause lung edema blue lips or fingernails blue skin cough dizziness headache labored breathing burning sensation nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal cramps weakness ataxia tremors anoxia convulsions edema of the larynx and bronchi chemical pneumonitis may cause effects on central nervous system, liver and blood exposure at high concentrations may result in death. 

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