Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. It is used to make light alloys, in nuclear reactors, in radio tube parts, in aerospace structures, and in inertial guidance systems. The major source of beryllium in the environment is burning fossil fuels, some of which may enter the aquatic environment through atmospheric fallout. Beryllium may also enter the aquatic environment through the weathering of rocks and soils, and through discharges from industrial and municipal operations. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance.
Beryllium is more toxic in soft water than in hard water.
Beryllium and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of beryllium on plants, birds, or land animals. Beryllium and its compounds are considered to have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of beryllium on plants, birds, or land animals. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will ix with a liter of water.