However, the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation is bringing the doctor who has written much of the medical literature on the disease to the Tri-Cities this week. Dr. Lee Newman of Denver will meet with the Benton-Franklin County Medical Society, other health groups, Hanford management, Hanford's Beryllium Awareness Group and concerned Hanford workers and their families Tuesday through Friday. He'll be discussing detection, diagnosis and prevention. In the early stages of the illness, patients may not have symptoms, and as it progresses, symptoms may be similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, Brady said. But early diagnosis and treatment may help patients preserve their health.
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, weight loss and excessive phlegm.
Beryllium was used at Hanford in an alloy developed to close the ends of uranium fuel rods. It hasn't been used at the site since 1986, and more recently, Hanford officials have taken steps to ensure current workers aren't contaminated with any small amounts of beryllium left behind in dust. Only people with an allergylike reaction to breathing in beryllium particles are believed to be affected. A blood test identifies whether a person has been exposed to the metal and developed a sensitivity that may lead to chronic beryllium disease, which is characterized by scarring of the lungs. However, it may progress slowly, and symptoms may not appear for up to 40 years.