Beryllium Health Effects on Plants & Animals

Beryllium is a metal found in a variety of natural sources including soil, oil, volcanic dust, coal and some minerals. Individuals that work in occupations such as mining and mineral extraction are at risk for beryllium sensitivity. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 1-15% of people working in jobs that expose them to beryllium are sensitive to the metal and can experience adverse health effects as a result.

Acute Beryllium Disease

• Breathing large amounts of beryllium can damage the lungs and produce symptoms of reddening and swelling that resemble pneumonia. The condition generally resolves itself on its own if exposure to beryllium is limited or discontinued, but it can be fatal or progress to chronic beryllium disease if exposure continues. The development of safety precautions regarding beryllium exposure in the workplace have helped make this condition rare.

Chronic Beryllium Disease

• As mentioned earlier, some individuals can develop a sensitivity to beryllium, meaning that they may be adversely affected by exposure to smaller amounts than the average person. People that are sensitive to the metal can develop an inflammatory response to beryllium that causes white cells to accumulate and granulomas to form. People who suffer from chronic beryllium disease often feel weak, tired and have difficulty breathing. Although chronic beryllium disease can be fatal on its own, it can also lead to other conditions such as anorexia, lung cancer, blueness of the hands and feet, enlargement of the heart and heart disease.

Other Health Effects

• The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry points out that the majority of beryllium testing has been performed on animals, thus many of the health effects of exposure are unknown. Skin contact can result in rashes and the formation of nodules. Although ulcers have been seen in testing with canines, ulcer formation in humans due to the ingestion of beryllium is less likely due to the very small amounts that are able to move from the digestive system into the bloodstream.

Plant and Animal Life

• Although the long-term effects of beryllium have not been observed in plant and animal life, chronic exposure could lead to lowered rates of reproduction, shortened lifespans and changes in appearance and behavior. Acute effects -- such as death -- in birds and fish as well as low growth rates in plants have been noted 2-4 days after contact with beryllium. According to the Australian Government, beryllium is more toxic in soft water than in hard water, and is very toxic to aquatic life.