Beryllium Exposure Testing

Health effects assessed for DOE employees exposed to airborne beryllium

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education maintains a comprehensive beryllium exposure studies and testing program for the U.S. Department of Energy that assesses the health effects to workers who have been exposed to airborne beryllium (.PDF, 1.4 MB).

Beryllium is used in many industries, including aerospace, defense and nuclear weapons production. During manufacturing activities, workers may have inhaled beryllium as dust or fumes, and some individuals may have become sensitized. This sensitization can be an early indicator of chronic beryllium disease, formerly known as berylliosis.

Chronic beryllium disease leads to the development of small, inflammatory nodules in the lungs. These nodules, called granulomas, cause the patient to cough and experience shortness of breath. Chest pains, joint aches, weight loss and fever are other symptoms.

Learn more about the ORISE beryllium testing program:

Related Information

  • Human Subjects Research

    Small meeting of office workers

    ORISE works closely with the U.S. Department of Energy to support its mission and ensure effective implementation of the DOE Human Subjects Protection Program. ORISE provides technical assistance to DOE to execute and maintain strategic initiatives that uphold the highest standards and regulations for the protection of human subjects.

    Read more about human subjects research at ORISE

  • Epidemiologic Research

    Two female researchers examine worker health information on a computer

    Epidemiologic research provides valuable insight into health trends and risks for workers and the public at large. ORISE researchers have kept in step as DOE operations and worker health assessment needs have evolved over time. Since the early 1990s, ORISE epidemiologists have concentrated on building and maintaining worker health registries to support medical surveillance, health risk assessments and morbidity studies.

    Read more about epidemiologic research at ORISE