Beryllium (CED0000029)

Beryllium (Be) is an inorganic compound with an average molecular weight of 9.01 g/mol. Beryllium belongs to the homogeneous alkaline earth metal compounds, a class of homogeneous metal compounds within the inorganic compounds. At room temperature, this exogenous substance exists as a solid. It is utilized as a surface modifier in industrial applications and serves as an adjuvant. Biologically, it acts as a carcinogenic agent and an epitope. Beryllium is found in or released from ten recorded sources, including coins, non-electric simulated smoking devices, and food contact materials. It is also present in building and construction materials such as stairs, ramps, and ceilings, as well as electrical and electronic equipment including amplifiers, antennas, X-ray tubes, radio transmission systems, and adjustable resistors. Exposure routes include touch, oral, and inhalation. It has not been detected in polyethylene terephthalate. Once in the body, beryllium acts as a hapten and interacts with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DP presenting cells in the lungs, becoming physically associated with a major histocompatability (MHC) class II molecule. This MHC class II-beryllium-peptide complex is recognized by the T lymphocyte receptor, triggering CD4+ T lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The resulting inflammatory response is a cell-mediated process orchestrated by cytokines and results in the formation of (usually pulmona.