Beryllium hydride
Agent Name
Beryllium hydride
CAS Number
7787-52-2
Formula
Be-H2
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
UN3134
Category
Beryllium Compounds, Inorganic
Description
White solid; [Hawley] White to light-grey lumps or powder; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used experimental rocket fuels; [Hawley] Potential high-energy fuel; Dissociates at 130 deg C; [Ullmann]
Comments
Reacts with water evolving hydrogen; [Hawley] Liberates hydrogen on contact with water; An irritant; May cause serious eye injury; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis and chronic beryllium disease; May cause skin sensitization; [MSDSonline] 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 "Water-reactive solid, toxic, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Fibrogenic
Yes
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: