The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71389

Tim Takaro, MD,, MPH, Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, P.O. Box 354695, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, Seattle, WA 98195-7234, 206-616-7458, ttakaro@u.washington.edu

Beryllium is a significant cause of interstitial lung disease in nuclear weapons workers. This session will address the most recent results from medical screening programs in the weapons program production workers, building and construction trades, nuclear test site and building decontamination and decommissioning (hazardous waste) workers. Low exposure scenarios related to disease in these populations will be discussed along with differences in sensitization and disease rates. Implications of this data for the clean-up of the nuclear weapons complex will be discussed. Additionally, new information on health effects in communities surrounding beryllium production facilities will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify high risk populations for beryllium disease in nuclear weapons and clean-up workers.
• Understand important aspects of the beryllium exposure/response relationship of proven relevance to occupational health with potential application to community based exposures.
• Evaluate the adequacy of currect monitoring and beryllium disease prevention programs.

Keywords: Occupational Disease, Environmental Exposures

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Department of Energy Brush Wellman, INC.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.