Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!apple!netcom!onymouse
From: onymouse@netcom.COM (John Debert)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Beryllium Odide restrictions
Message-ID: <1991Apr7.083921.14628@netcom.COM>
Date: 7 Apr 91 08:39:21 GMT
References: <1991Apr4.233623.27242@src.dec.com>
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  UNIX System {408 241-9760 guest}
Lines: 25

From article <1991Apr4.233623.27242@src.dec.com>, by murray@src.dec.com (Hal Murray):
> 
> An article I just read that described a high power hermetic package
> says that they didn't want to use Beryllium Odide because it is
> prohibited in some countries.
> 
> Anybody know where or why?
> 
> I know that Beryllium dust is very toxic, but I thought the oxide was
> safe.

Beryllium ceramics (oxides) are very toxic and carcinogenic. They should never
be ground or sanded and contact with the dust should be avoided.

I've known people who have tried to grind beryllium ceramics (they are
extremely hard) and have ended up in hospital for serious respiratory
disorders soon afterward but I have heard of no deaths from it. However,
the material available indicates that the dust is highly toxic.

As far as where it is prohibited, I do not know.


-- 
jd
onymouse@netcom.COM