Beryllium oxide

25.01160

25.00710

215-133-1

1325

1566

DTXSID30872818

White hexagonal crystals|Light, amorphous powder|White, amorphous powder or white hexagonal crystals

17.07000

-0.11880

Beryllium oxide is an odorless white solid. Sinks in water. (USCG, 1999)

3.01 g/cm³

2530 °C

3900 °C (approx)

4300°C

1.733

Solubility in water: insoluble

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.

Odorless

After ignition it is almost insoluble in water, concentrated acids or solutions of fixed alkali hydroxides|Mohs hardness: 9|Extremely stable ... its stability depends on its structure and is determined by the content of bound water. The higher the calcination temperature, the more inert the beryllium oxide.|Pure (100%) beryllium oxide insulates electrically like a ceramic, but conducts heat like a metal.|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The amount of heat generated by hydrolysis may be large.

Bases, Strong

Water-Reactive

II

6.1

UN 1566 6.1/PG 2

1

R49

53-45

DS4025000

T+

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Stable.

P201-P260-P280-P284-P301 + P310-P305 + P351 + P338

H301-H315-H317-H319-H330-H335-H350i-H372

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

... Can react explosively with magnesium when heated.|Acids, caustics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, oxidizers, molten lithium. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic beryllium oxide fume may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)|Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

|Danger|H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P281, P284, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P310, P312, P314, P320, P321, P330, P332+P313, P333+P313, P337+P313, P362, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501|H301 (97.92%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|Aggregated GHS information provided by 48 companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P281, P284, P285, P302+P352, P304+P340, P304+P341, P308+P313, P310, P312, P314, P320, P321, P333+P313, P342+P311, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501|H305: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Warning Aspiration hazard]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P307+P311, P308+P313, P314, P321, P331, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Respiratory protection; gloves; freshly laundered clothing; chemical safety goggles (USCG, 1999)|Respiratory protection Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).|Skin protection: Handle with gloves.|Eye/face protection Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).|Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

NOT FLAMMABLE

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving this material. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.|Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Control of environmental exposure: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.|Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.|If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Beryllium compound, NOS/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. /Beryllium compounds, NOS/|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. /Beryllium compound, NOS/

Will burn skin and eyes.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 2 ug/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/|Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable Ceiling Concentration: 5 ug/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/|Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-2 Acceptable maximum peak above the acceptable ceiling concentration for an 8-hour shift. Concentration: 25 ug/cu m. Maximum Duration: 30 minutes. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds/

NIOSH considers beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be) to be potential occupational carcinogens. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/|Recommended Exposure Limit: Ceiling Value: 0.0005 mg/cu m. /Beryllium and beryllium compounds (as Be)/|NIOSH usually recommends that occupational exposures to carcinogens be limited to the lowest feasible concentration.

Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust or fume may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death.

Sensitization to the substance, through repeated or prolonged inhalation or skin contact, may result in serious granulomatous lung disease (chronic beryllium disease). This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Use closed system.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Beryllium compounds are included on this list. /Beryllium Compounds/

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of beryllium oxide stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic primarily by inhalation and dermal contact, exposure to this odorless, white, crystalline substance may occur from the processing (machining, molding, grinding, cutting, and fabrication) of beryllium oxide-containing glass and ceramics used in the manufacture of electronic equipment, aerospace equipment, and non-ferrous foundry products. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, skin ulceration, headache, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, and possibly death from heart failure. The OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV are set at a TWA of 2 ug/cu m. Engineering control of process equipment (eg, enclosure and local exhaust ventilation) should be used to prevent inhalation and skin contact with beryllium oxide. In activities where over-exposure is possible, workers should wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. Protective clothing should also be worn, including protective suits, (preferably disposable, one-piece, and close-fitting at the ankles and wrists), goggles, gloves, hair covering, and overshoes. Work clothes should not be taken home for laundering. Beryllium oxide is not flammable. Shipping regulations and other DOT regulatory requirements should be consulted before transport. In cleaning spills of beryllium oxide, use a wet mop, or vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency particulate filter. Do not dry sweep, dry mop, or use any such method that could disperse the dust. Before implementing land disposal of beryllium oxide waste, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance.

Guinea pigs sensitized by 12 biweekly intradermal injections of 10 ug beryllium sulfate reacted with delayed hypersensitivity to max subtoxic skin test doses of 5 ug beryllium oxide, with persistent granulomata and sensitivity proportional to solubility of salt.

Mineral: bromellite; composition: beryllium oxide; geological occurrence: veins; geological distribution: Sweden. /From table/

AQUATIC FATE: In aqueous solution, beryllium exhibits only the +2 oxidation state(1). Soluble beryllium salts are hydrolyzed to form insoluble beryllium hydroxides(2). Under typical environmental conditions, the hydroxo-complex BeOH+ and Be2+, are expected to be the dominant dissolved species(1). Be(OH)2 is expected to precipitate from water given its low solubility at the pH range of most natural systems(1).

Bioconcentration of 100 fold can occur under constant exposure. Not significant in spill conditions.

Beryllium is not likely to be found in natural water in greater than trace amt, because of the relative insolubility of beryllium oxides & hydroxides @ normal pH range of such water.

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of beryllium oxide is 1 to 99; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 4,305 workers (849 of these were female) were potentially exposed to beryllium oxide in the US(1).|... The range of industrial processes that could lead to occupational exposure /of beryllium oxide/ has expanded. ... mining, extraction, refining, alloy mfr, metallurgical operations, mfr ceramics, electronic equipment, non-ferrous foundry products, aerospace equipment, tools & dies ...|Processing & manufacturing activities /with the potential for exposure to beryllium oxide/ include ... beryllium-alloy machining, molding, grinding, cutting & fabrication as well as processes in the electroplating and atomic energy industries.

...2 Persons who had ... constant exposure to beryllium oxide for 5 years showed appreciable excretion after 6 years' removal from contact ... no evidence of pulmonary involvement.|... Distribution of beryllium oxide ... varies with the method of its prepn: after intratracheal instillation of beryllium oxide prepd by calcining alpha-BE(OH)2 for 10 hr @ 500 °C was found in high concn in liver, kidneys & bones of rats, whereas prepn by calcining alpha-BE(OH)2 for 10 hr @ 1600 °C ... remained mainly in the lung.|... Rabbits given beryllium oxide ... IV a year or more before being killed or dying from osteosarcoma. Relatively high amt of the metal were found in the reticulo endothelial cells of liver & spleen. The lung also contained high concn. The levels in bone, kidney & heart were much lower.|... The skeletal deposition of beryllium from the ... low fired oxide, inhaled for 40 to 100 days by dogs, showed ... 0.6% ... of that retained in the lung ... 0.6% ... in the liver; and ... 397% ... in the pulmonary lymph nodes.|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Alveolar retention half-life for beryllium oxide was approx 6 mo.

Beryllium oxide-purities: 99-99.99% ... The purity of beryllia is critical to its thermal conductivity: as the purity drops below 99.5%, thermal conductivity drops off rapidly. Impurities (mg/kg): Al, 46; Fe, 32; Cr, 8; Mn, < 2; Ni, 9; B, 2; Ca, 31; Co, < 1; Cu, 3; Si, 1861; Mg, 922; Li, 2; Zn, < 20; Ti, 5; Na, 173; Ag, < 1; Mo, < 3; Pb, 2. Silicon and magnesium silicates are added to beryllia powder as sintering aids.

Any dramatic, unexplained weight loss should be considered as possible first indication of beryllium disease. Other symptoms include anorexia, fatigue, weakness, malaise. Inhalation causes pneumonitis, nasopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, dyspnea, chronic cough. Contact with dust causes conjunctival inflammation of eyes and irritation of skin. (USCG, 1999)|Carcinogens

INHALATION: take chest x-ray immediately to check for pneumonitis. INGESTION: induce vomiting; get medical attention. EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention. SKIN: cuts or puncture wounds in which beryllium may be embedded under the skin should be thoroughly cleansed immediately by a physician. (USCG, 1999)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Beryllium and Related Compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Beryllium and Related Compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Beryllium and Related Compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Acute illness ... in beryllium industry ... reported ... /during/ ... processing of beryl ore for prodn of beryllium oxide. Thirty-eight cases with five deaths ... reported. Symptoms include cough, dyspnea, substernal pain, anorexia, increasing fatigue, & weight loss.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ A chronic pulmonary condition known as 'berylliosis' ... is frequently fatal ... pulmonary x-rays demonstrated a miliary mottling, & interstitial granulomatosis was diagnosed ... caused by beryllium cmpd of low solubility, particularly the low fired oxide. No established dose response relationship ...|/CASE REPORTS/ Two cases of human carcinomas by beryllium aerosols were reported. In one case, an adult male had contact with the dust, vapors, and gases of beryllium oxide and beryllium chloride for about 3 years. 3 years after employment ceased, the worker had shadows in both pulmonary x-ray midfields. /14 years later/ autopsy confirmed the presence of carcinoma in the right pulmonary upper lobe, with metastases ...|/CASE REPORTS/ ... Persons who had ... constant exposure to beryllium oxide for 5 years showed appreciable excretion after 6 years' removal from contact ... no evidence of pulmonary involvement.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BERYLLIUM OXIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

beryllium oxide

The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed.

MAY BE ABSORBED!

Redness. Pain.

Beryllium oxide-purities: 99-99.99%|Grade: Technical, CP, pure, single crystals.

Miscellaneous manufacturing|Beryllium oxide (BeO): ACTIVE|Today, practically all of the beryllium oxide produced commercially is calcined at temperatures of 1000 °C or higher and is referred to as 'high-fired'. Beryllium oxide that is calcined at temperatures lower than 1000 °C is referred to as 'low-fired'; it consists of poorly crystallized, small particles which are more reactive and more soluble in dilute acid than those of high-fired beryllium oxide|... Its property of being sinterized at 1,400 °C makes it suitable for manufacture of ceramic materials, since it can be either molded or applied as a coating to a metal or other base; sintering then produces a hard coherent mass with a smooth glassy surface.|The higher the calcination temperature the more inert the beryllium oxide.|Beryllium oxide ceramics have the highest thermal conductivity of the oxide ceramics.

Health Hazards -> Carcinogens