Beryllium carbide
Agent Name
Beryllium carbide
CAS Number
506-66-1
Formula
C-Be2
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Beryllium acetylide; Beryllium carbide (Be2C); [ChemIDplus] UN1566
Category
Beryllium Compounds, Inorganic
Description
Brick-red or yellow-red solid; [Merck Index] Yellow odorless powder; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in nuclear reactor cores; [Merck Index]
Comments
Hydrolyzes at room temperature into beryllium oxide and methane; [Ullmann] Produces flammable gases on contact with water; An irritant; May cause skin sensitization; Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause chronic beryllium disease; [MSDSonline] See "CARBIDES." 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
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Beryllium compound, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Fibrogenic
Yes
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: