Beryllium and its Compounds

Manufacture Metallic beryllium is either produced by reduction from beryllium fluoride with magnesium in graphite crucibles at elevated temperatures or, less commonly, by melt electrolysis of beryllium chloride. 

The USA consumption of beryllium was ca. 300 t/a Be in 1986. Of the beryllium compounds beryllium oxide is, as a result of its high melting point and its high chemical resistance, utilized for oxide-ceramic materials. 

The demand for beryllium is, however, stagnating or declining, mainly due to its toxicity, the recommended maximum concentration being 0.002 to 0.005 mg/m air. 

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Beryllium and its salts are toxic and should be handled with the greatest of care. Beryllium and its compounds should not be tasted to verify the sweetish nature of beryllium (as did early experimenters). The metal, its alloys, and its salts can be handled if certain work codes are observed, but no attempt should be made to work with beryllium before becoming familiar with proper safeguards. 

Beryllium and its compounds are toxic and care should be taken to avoid inhalation of dusts or contact with eyes and skin. 

Beryllium and its compounds are on the Community Right-To-Know List. 

Group 1 IMEMDT 58,41,93 Human Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT 58,41,93 Animal Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT 1,17,72 Animal Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT 23,143,80 Animal Sufficient Evidence IMEMDT 58,41,93. Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory. Beryllium and its compounds are on the Community Right-To-Know List. 

Evidence IMEMDT 58,41,93. Beryllium and its compounds are on the Community Right-To-Know List. Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory. 

In 2008, the major beryl producer in the world was the United States, followed by China and Mozambique. In the United States, beryl was produced by only one mine in Utah. Some plants also converted beryl into beryllium and its compounds. 

Beryllium (Be, at. mass 9.012) forms cations Be ". In its chemical properties, beryllium resembles magnesium and aluminium. Beryllium hydroxide is precipitated at pH 6, and dissolves in alkali hydroxides. Freshly precipitated Be(OH)2 dissolves in NaaCOs solution to form a rather unstable carbonate complex. Beryllium also forms weak complexes with citrate, tartrate, and fluoride anions. Beryllium and its compounds are highly toxic. 

Zorn H, Stiefel T and Diem H (1977) The importance of beryllium and its compounds for the industrial physician-2, communication [in German]. Zentralblatt fur Arbeitsmed Arbeitsschutz Pro-phyl 27, 83-88. 

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