How to Treat Beryllium Poisoning

Beryllium is a stable element that cannot be broken down or otherwise destroyed. Beryllium and its salts are highly poisonous and possibly carcinogenic. The following steps will help you identify and treat a case of beryllium poisoning.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at the symptoms. The greatest risk of exposure to beryllium is usually from inhaling the metal dust which can cause chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis), a condition similar to pneumonia. The primary symptoms are prolonged respiratory problems that don't improve. Berylliosis occurs when the body becomes allergic to beryllium after prolonged exposure.

• 2

  Get a medical examination. Berylliosis is usually diagnosed clinically after a known exposure to beryllium. It is difficult to diagnose in the laboratory because it is particularly prone to being misdiagnosed as sacrcoidosis.

• 3

  Treat berylliosis by preventing future exposure to beryllium. Corticosteroids will improve the symptoms of chronic berylliosis but will not cure it.

• 4

  Administer high daily doses of Prednisone from 0.5 to 1 mg per kg body weight until further deterioration ceases. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Reduce the dosage slowly and administer every other day, if possible.

• 5

  Provide support measures common to other respiratory diseases such as antibiotics (if infection exists), digitalis, diuretics and supplemental oxygen as required by the patient's clinical condition. Influenza and pneumococcus vaccinations also should be considered.

• 6

  Continue with a therapeutic level of steroids, usually for the rest of the patient's life.