A considerable fraction of the Be measured in air was respirable. Fourteen dental casting alloys were analyzed for release of nickel and beryllium into acidic salivary soln in vitro. Corrosion rates at varying pH levels and time in soln were calc over a 120 day period and the possible significance of these rates to allergic reactions or other health hazards were postulated. When the beryllium levels were analyzed for these alloys they were much higher than expected. Nickel and beryllium containing dental casting alloys have the potential to be a significant hazard to the lab technician, dentist and patient.
Beryllium is concentrated in silicate minerals relative to sulfides.
The greatest known concentrations of beryllium are found in certain pegmatite bodies, where crystals of beryl account for a few percent of the total pegmatite volume, and may be found in several of the strata of zoned dykes. The element is sometimes concentrated in hydrothermal veins, and some granitic rocks contain sufficient amounts to permit the crystallization of small amounts of beryl. Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazardous materials, generally related to dry clays, glazes and kiln use. Glazes can contain lead, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, copper, vanadium and other materials which all have potential toxic effects. Beryllium enters the environment principally from coal combustion.