Beryllium chloride

Agent Name
Beryllium chloride
CAS Number
7787-47-5
Formula
Be-Cl2
Major Category
Metals
Beryllium chloride formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Beryllium chloride (BeCl2); Beryllium dichloride; [ChemIDplus] UN1566
Category
Beryllium Compounds, Inorganic
Description
White or slightly yellow solid; Very deliquescent; Soluble in water (evolves heat); [Merck Index] White or yellow lumps; Reacts with water forming hydrochloric acid; [MSDSonline] Hygroscopic--forms beryllium chloride tetrahydrate; [Ullmann]
Sources/Uses
Used as a catalyst and chemical intermediate for beryllium compounds; [HSDB]
Comments
Causes burns to skin and eyes; [HSDB] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause beryllium sensitization after skin or respiratory contact; Dust or fume inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause chronic beryllium disease; Decomposes rapidly on water contact--hydrogen chloride produced; [ICSC] Reacts with water forming HCl and heat; [Ullmann] See "Beryllium" for one additional linked occupational disease.
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
5E-05 mg/m3, as Be, inhalable fraction
PEL (OSHA)
0.002 mg/m3, as Be, Ceiling(OSHA) = 0.005 mg/m3, as Be(0.025 mg/m3,as Be,for 30 min.peak per 8-hr shift)
IDLH (NIOSH)
4 mg/m3, as Be
Explanatory Notes
VP = 1 mm Hg at 291 deg C (sublimes); [HSDB] The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Beryllium compounds, n.o.s."

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Fibrogenic
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: