Beryllium Copper - Toxicity

Toxicity

As beryllium compounds are toxic and cumulative poisons, there are some safety concerns with handling its alloys. In solid form and as finished parts, beryllium copper presents no known health hazard. However, breathing its dust or vapors, as formed when machining or welding, will eventually cause serious lung damage. Beryllium compounds are known human carcinogens when inhaled. As a result, beryllium copper is sometimes replaced by safer copper alloys such as Cu-Ni-Sn bronze.