[CPEO-MEF] Military Exposed To Toxic Dust

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Report: Military Exposed To Toxic Dust

Beryllium Exposure Can Cause Lung Disease

Posted: 9:30 a.m. EST March 4, 2002

CHICAGO -- U.S. military personnel reportedly have been exposed to the 
highly toxic metal beryllium at dozens of military bases. 

That's according to the Chicago Tribune, which also reported that the 
government has failed to follow its own guidelines in testing for the 
substance. 

The Tribune says the Defense Department has failed to follow federal 
health guidelines by not providing blood tests to determine if workers 
have been harmed by beryllium. 

Dust from the lightweight metal can cause an often fatal lung disease. 

The newspaper reported that the Energy Department conducted tests on 
thousands of its weapons workers and determined that hundreds have been 
harmed by beryllium, and several nuclear industry workers have been 
killed. 

Early detection allows treatments that can limit lung damage. 

This article is from the Carolina Channel and can be accessed at:
http://www.thecarolinachannel.com/sh/health/stories/health-128438820020304-080341.html