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Beryllium poisoning is poisoning by the toxic effects of beryllium, or more usually its compounds. It takes two forms: Acute beryllium poisoning, usually as a result of exposure to soluble beryllium salts; Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) or berylliosis, usually as a result of long-term exposure to beryllium oxide usually caused by inhalation.
The overall prevalence of chronic beryllium disease among workers exposed to beryllium has ranged from 1–5% depending on industry and time period of study. [35] [36] [38] The general population is unlikely to develop acute or chronic beryllium disease because ambient air levels of beryllium are normally very low (<0.03 ng/m 3). [39]
In addition to beryllium's toxicity when inhaled, when brought into contact with skin at relatively low doses, beryllium can cause local irritation and contact dermatitis, and contact with skin that has been scraped or cut may cause rashes or ulcers. [3] Beryllium dust or powder can irritate the eyes. [4]
There is a popular misconception that only heavy metals can be toxic, but lighter metals such as beryllium and lithium can be toxic too. [3] Not all heavy metals are particularly toxic, and some are essential, such as iron. The definition may also include trace elements when abnormally high doses may be toxic.
Beryllium is a chemical element; it has symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is a steel-gray, hard, strong, lightweight and brittle alkaline earth metal. It is a divalent element that occurs naturally only in combination with other elements to form minerals. Gemstones high in beryllium include beryl (aquamarine, emerald, red beryl) and chrysoberyl.
Iron overload (also known as haemochromatosis or hemochromatosis) is the abnormal and increased accumulation of total iron in the body, leading to organ damage. [1] The primary mechanism of organ damage is oxidative stress, as elevated intracellular iron levels increase free radical formation via the Fenton reaction.
Heavy metals is a controversial and ambiguous term [2] for metallic elements with relatively high densities, atomic weights, or atomic numbers.The criteria used, and whether metalloids are included, vary depending on the author and context and has been argued should not be used.
Hyperproteinemia is the state of having overly high levels of protein in the blood. This can occur due to monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma and after intravenous immunoglobulin has been given. [1] It can result in a falsely low appearing sodium level (hyponatremia). [1]