beryllium oxide inhalation

see also:

• toxicology
• pneumonitis

• beryllium oxide (BeO) is an odorless electrical insulator found on magnetrons of microwaves and other devices
• sintered beryllium oxide is a very stable ceramic
• used as a structural ceramic for high-performance microwave devices, vacuum tubes, cavity magnetrons, and gas lasers.
• failed microwaves:
  • smoke from a failed microwave can potentially contain beryllium oxide which is an extremely hazardous chemical to inhale and exposure may be insidious given it is odourless - however there does not appear to be any reported cases of toxicity from smoke from failed microwaves and the risk would depend on the extent of damage to the magnetron and the amount of beryllium oxide released and the extent of inhalational exposure
  • fortunately, most times a microwave fails with acrid smoke, the part at fault is a high voltage transformer, silicon rectifier used in the high voltage DC supply for the magnetron, or the high voltage capacitor or diode (if it is just a burnt smell without smoke and the controls do not light up, it may just be a blown fuse) rather than the magnetron (magnetron tubes are very reliable and not very likely to fail in less than 10-15 years), and this smoke is generally from the wiring insulation which is much less hazardous (assuming you don't stay in the room full of smoke) but has an acrid odour
  • do not attempt to open or disassemble the magnetron, as this can release beryllium oxide dust or fumes
  • do not perform any actions that could generate dust, such as sanding, grinding, or cutting the magnetron or other components
  • if the microwave is severely damaged, wearing PPE, carefully seal it in a plastic bag or container to contain any potential contaminants.
  • get a professional to remove the microwave and dispose appropriately
• dental laboratory technicians may be at risk of exposure to beryllium dust during casting and grinding of alloys used in dental prostheses
• it is carcinogenic in powdered form and long term exposure may double the risk of lung cancer
• beryllium is relatively water insoluble and adsorbs tightly to soil therefore, it is not often a drinking water contaminant and bioaccumulation in the food chain is not significant.
• beryllium and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life

• generally associated with exposure to beryllium levels at or above 100 μg/m3 such as in the mining or manufacturing industries
• first reported in Europe in 1933 and in the United States in 1943
• acute beryllium poisoning became rare following occupational exposure limits established around 1950
• may initially cause rapidly developing chemical pneumonitis:
  • difficulty breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing
  • irritation of the nose and throat, leading to nasal discharge and sore throat
  • redness, itching, burning, and swelling of the eyelids
  • skin contact with beryllium oxide even in low doses can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, redness, itching, and in severe cases, skin ulcers (esp. if contaminating a cut)
• severe cases can cause systemic effects, including cardiovascular and haematological issues such as macrocytic anaemia and leukocytosis
• Rx is supportive
• usually resolve over several weeks to months but 10% of cases were fatal
• 15-20% may progress to CBD

• prolonged or repeated inhalation can result in CBD
• a debilitating lung condition characterized by the formation of granulomas in the lungs due to a cell mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
• symptoms of CBD include shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats
• Dx may include abnormal blood Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Tests