Berylliosis, also known as chronic beryllium disease (CBD), is a lung disease caused by exposure to beryllium that poses significant risks to the health of many Alabama workers and may even prevent them from working.
Understanding its symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and the process of proving it’s work-related is crucial, especially if you’re seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Alabama. This guide covers the essentials—from identifying symptoms to filing a claim and finding the right legal support.
What is berylliosis?
Berylliosis is a lung disease that can result from exposure to beryllium, a metal used in various industries. In some individuals, exposure to the metal leads to beryllium sensitivity, where the immune system reacts abnormally to beryllium particles.
Beryllium sensitivity can result in the development of berylliosis, where the lungs become inflamed and granulomas form in the lung tissue. Over time, this inflammation can cause scarring and impair lung function.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone exposed to beryllium will go on to develop the disease.
What are the symptoms of beryllium exposure?
The symptoms of beryllium exposure and the development of berylliosis can vary depending on the severity of the exposure and the individual’s sensitivity to beryllium, but below are the most common symptoms associated with beryllium exposure and the progression to berylliosis.
Early symptoms:
- Coughing. A persistent, dry cough is one of the earliest signs of beryllium exposure.
- Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, may develop early in the disease.
- Fatigue. Unexplained tiredness or fatigue is another common early symptom.
- Chest pain. Some individuals may experience discomfort or pain in their chest.
Advanced symptoms:
- Weight loss. Unintended weight loss may occur as the disease progresses.
- Night sweats. Sweating at night can be a sign of the body’s response to chronic inflammation.
- Fever. Low-grade fevers may be present, particularly in the more advanced stages of the disease.
- Joint pain. Some individuals may experience pain in their joints, which can be a sign of systemic inflammation.
- Clubbing of fingers. In severe cases, clubbing (the rounding and enlargement of the tips of the fingers or toes) can occur due to long-term oxygen deprivation.
- Progressive shortness of breath. As berylliosis advances, breathing difficulties can become more pronounced, even at rest.
- Wheezing. Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing may develop as lung function deteriorates.
- Chronic dry cough. The cough may persist and become more severe over time.
- Reduced lung function. Lung function tests may reveal a decrease in the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Granulomas. Chest X-rays or CT scans may show small, round nodules or granulomas in the lungs, which are a hallmark of berylliosis.
- Pulmonary fibrosis. Over time, the inflammation can lead to scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue, which further impairs lung function.
Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing further lung damage.
What To Do & Not Do When Filing an Alabama Workers’ Comp Claim
Learn how to avoid costly mistakes that can prevent you from maximizing your workers’ compensation claim in Alabama.
How long before berylliosis develops after beryllium exposure?
Berylliosis symptoms often develop gradually, and their severity can increase as the disease progresses. The insidious nature of berylliosis means that it can take years for symptoms to become apparent, making early recognition and diagnosis crucial.
According to the Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security, the latency period for chronic beryllium disease (CBD) typically ranges from 10 to 15 years after initial exposure to beryllium, meaning symptoms can take decades to appear. In some cases, symptoms appear within a few months, while in other cases, symptoms can take up to 30 years to develop.
Doctors and researchers say that some individuals live with CBD and pass away from other causes without ever knowing they had the disease.
Is berylliosis permanent?
Unfortunately, berylliosis is permanent and cannot be cured. However, the condition can be managed with treatments that aim to reduce symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.
If you’re diagnosed with berylliosis, your doctor may prescribe medications like corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation and improve your breathing. In more advanced cases, additional therapies, such as oxygen therapy, might be necessary to help you manage the symptoms.
When should you seek medical attention if you work with beryllium?
If you work with beryllium, you should seek medical attention if you experience any unusual or ongoing symptoms, such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained fatigue, or any other signs of respiratory issues.
Regular health check-ups and monitoring are also recommended if you work in environments where beryllium exposure is possible, even if you don’t currently have symptoms.
Which workers have an increased risk of developing berylliosis?
Workers in industries such as aerospace, electronics manufacturing, metalworking, nuclear power, ceramics manufacturing, and glass manufacturing are at an increased risk of developing berylliosis.
Additionally, those involved in mining and extraction of beryllium, as well as dental technicians and workers handling precision machining, may also face higher risks due to potential exposure to beryllium dust and fumes.
These occupations involve activities where beryllium dust, fumes, or particles can be inhaled, which can lead to the development of berylliosis. Proper safety measures, such as protective equipment and adequate ventilation, are crucial in these industries to minimize the risk of exposure.
How challenging is it to prove that berylliosis is work-related?
Proving that berylliosis is work-related can be a complex and challenging process, largely due to the delayed onset of symptoms and the need for thorough documentation. Since symptoms of berylliosis can take years or even decades to appear after exposure to beryllium, it’s often difficult to link the disease directly to a specific job or period of employment.
Additionally, establishing a clear connection requires detailed records of beryllium use and safety measures in the workplace, which may not always be available, especially if the exposure occurred long ago or across multiple jobs.
However, workers in certain occupations may find it easier to prove that berylliosis is work-related, particularly in industries where beryllium exposure is well-documented, such as aerospace, electronics, and nuclear power.
Despite this, navigating the workers’ compensation claims process can still be complex, and having the right documentation, medical evidence, and legal support is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim for berylliosis in Alabama?
In Alabama, if you’re diagnosed with berylliosis and it’s determined to be work-related, you may be eligible for various types of workers’ compensation benefits, including medical benefits, wage loss benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and death benefits.
While most businesses in Alabama with 5 or more employees are legally required to provide workers’ compensation coverage, there are some exemptions for federal employees, farm workers, domestic employees, temporary workers, and independent contractors.
Workers don’t need to prove anyone is at fault for their berylliosis or any other kind of occupational disease or injury to receive workers’ comp benefits, but they do need to follow certain steps to file a claim, which we’ll outline below:
- Seek medical care. As soon as you suspect that you may have berylliosis, you should seek medical attention immediately. Getting early medical care helps document your condition and establishes a clear link between your illness and your work environment. This documentation is vital for your claim.
- Report your condition. Notify your supervisor or manager in writing within 5 days of your diagnosis. Even if you believe your employer is already aware, providing written notice is essential to avoid any confusion. If you miss the 5-day deadline, make sure to report your condition as soon as possible. If you wait more than 90 days to report your condition, your claim will likely be denied unless specific circumstances prevent you from reporting it sooner.
- Ensure your employer files a First Report of Injury form. Your employer must file a First Report of Injury form after you’ve reported your condition. This form includes critical information about your illness and your employment details. It’s important to verify that your employer has completed and submitted this form to their insurance company.
- Contact an attorney. If you encounter difficulties with your claim or if your claim is denied, it’s wise to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the appeals process if necessary.
Following these steps carefully will help ensure that your workers’ compensation claim for berylliosis is filed correctly and that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under Alabama law.
Where can I find an Alabama workers’ compensation attorney to help with my berylliosis claim?
If you’re looking for an experienced Birmingham workers’ compensation attorney, look no further than Nomberg Law Firm. We’ve been assisting hard-working Alabamians in recovering fair compensation for their injuries since 1967.
We understand the importance of strong representation after a work-related injury or the diagnosis of an occupational illness, and we’re dedicated to fighting for your rights. If you’ve been injured at work and need legal support, we encourage you to reach out to us.
We offer free consultations and are ready to stand by your side throughout the process. Contact Nomberg Law Firm today to discuss your case, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
References
Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security. (n.d.). About Beryllium. Energy.gov. https://www.energy.gov/ehss/about-beryllium