[CPEO-MEF] Beryllium concern in Florida

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Beryllium risk may have spread
Some fear toxic dust from Tallevast plant spread throughout Manatee

DONNA WRIGHT
Bradenton Herald (FL)
November 7, 2004


 MANATEE - The risk from exposure to toxic dust generated by the Loral
American Beryllium Co. for four decades may extend far beyond former
workers to everyone who had contact with them, one of the nation's top
lung specialists warns.

That risk may reach beyond the Tallevast community where the plant
operated, because workers carried the toxic dust on their clothes, shoes
and in their hair to their homes throughout Manatee and Sarasota
counties, said Dr. Lisa Maier of National Jewish Medical and Research
Center in Denver.

"The risks of secondary exposure are significant," Maier said. "We know
from a recent study we conducted with the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health that workers at similar facilities
tracked home dust on a regular basis. Beryllium wipe samples found dust
on steering wheels, the floorboards of cars, car seats and baby seats."

Maier fears the same conditions existed here.

American Beryllium was one of many defense and energy contractors who
held government contracts during the Cold War to manufacture parts for
nuclear weapons and missile guidance systems.

...

For the entire article, go to
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/10119651.htm

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org
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