Aerosols generated during beryllium machining

Some beryllium processes, especially machining, are associated with an incr eased risk of beryllium sensitization and disease. Little is known about ex posure characteristics contributing to risk, such as particle size. This st udy examined the characteristics of beryllium machining exposures under act ual working conditions. Stationary samples, using eight-stage Lovelace Mult ijet Cascade Impactors, were taken at the process point operation and at th e closest point that the worker would routinely approach, Paired samples we re collected at the operator's breathing zone by using a Marple Personal Ca scade Impactor and a 35-mm closed-faced cassette. More than 50% of the bery llium machining particles in the breathing zone were less than 10 mu m in a erodynamic diameter. This small particle size may result in beryllium depos ition into the deepest portion of the lung and may explain elevated rates o f sensitization among beryllium machinists.