Beryllium metal is used in the reactor at the High Flux Isotope Reactor and occasionally in research. The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment remediation project involves the removal, sampling, containerization, transportation, testing, conversion, and storage of beryllium salts. Beryllium particles introduced into broken skin can cause dermatitis and ulcers or nodules that sometimes must be surgically excised. The primary health concern is inhalation of beryllium dust, fume or mist. Acute disease occurs from exposure to very high levels of airborne beryllium particles and results in a chemical pneumonia.
Acute disease is very rare today.
The lung is the primary target organ but other organs may also be involved. It is thought that only a small percentage of the people who work around beryllium are affected. Development of CBD varies from a few months to forty years after exposure. Sensitization to beryllium is a condition whereby the individual is asymptomatic for beryllium disease but their immune system does react to beryllium. It is thought that a sensitized person may be more likely to develop CBD in the future.