Beryllium (vvImp)

Hard Shiny metal, resembles Steel in appearance, but its chemical properties are similar to those of aluminium & magnesium. It has dual Effect - Pneumoconeosis as well as on the Systems. Principle Uses:- 1) To manufacture alloy 2) High Performance & High reliability Electric Connectors 3) Used in Computers & Telecommunication 4) Oil Drilling Equipment 5) Aircraft landing Bearings Taxicity:Acute:- 1) It is a direct irritant to Respiratory tract leading to a) Nesopharyngitis b) Tracheobronchitis c) Chemical Pneumonitis 2) skin Diseases:- a) Formation of a non caseating granuloma mainly due to a cut by Fluorescence Tube b) Contac Dermatitis Chronic:Known as Chronic Beryllium Disese. It is a condition associated with Pulmonary Granuloma, formed as a result of inhaled beryllium dust. The latent period is 10-15 years. Symptoms:- a) Breathlessness on exertion followed by b) Fatigue & c) Weight loss d) Chest & Joint Pain e) Cough Signs:a) Skin rash b) Lymphadenopathy c) Hepato Spleeno Megale d) Crackels (Rhonci)on both sides e) Finger clubbing Finger clubbing in Occupational Exposure is Found in Arsenic & Beryllium. X-Ray:- 1) Diffuse Pulmonary Infiltration 2) Bilateral Hilar Lymphadenopathy These opacities may be a)Grannuloma b)Nodular c) Linear or d) Mixed 3) Evidence of collapse mainly upper lobe 4) Calcification of opacities & Lymph Nodes 5) Pleural thickening 6) Cyst Formation 7) Pneumothorax Not proved as Carcinogenic Treatment :- 1) Prevention:- Withdrawal from Exposure 2) Steroids 3) Steroid Resistant Cases:- Immunosuppressive Agents, Mainly Cyclophosphomide 4) Symptomatic treatment for Chest Infection, Hypoxia & Right Heart Failure.