Sector: electrical engineering

Type of hazard: hazardous substances

Catchwords: carcinogenic substances, exposure, risk assessment

Status: completed 02/1998

Financed by: Berufsgenossenschaft der Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik

Description, key words:

Limit value for carcinogenic beryllium exceeded during gem cutting

Aims:

The machining of minerals containing beryllium gives rise to excess limit-values for beryllium at gem cutter's work places. Goal: determining the health risks for gem cutters of exposure to beryllium and other metals.

Activities/methods:

Analysis and assessment of toxicological strain

Results:

Beryllium values above the determined level were found in urine when limit-values were exceeded, however, no indications of berylliosis or illnesses relating to exposure to beryllium, restrictive ventilation disorders caused by beryllium.

last update: 22.08.2000