Beryllium-associated diseases from a chemist’s point of view

Abstract

Abstract Beryllium has long been considered the most toxic non-radioactive element to humans. However, it is shown that the acute toxicity of beryllium ions does not exceed that of other toxic cations like Cd 2+ , Ba 2+ , Hg 2+ or As 3+ . The physiological mechanisms liable for the development of beryllium-associated diseases are discussed. Additionally an overview over proposed low-molecular model system for the beryllium species responsible for beryllioses is presented.

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