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Beryllium and beryllium compounds

CAS 7440-41-7

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What it is + why it's regulated

Beryllium is a lightweight, strong metal that occurs naturally in the Earth's crust. It and its compounds are used in industries like aerospace, electronics, and nuclear energy because they are heat-resistant and non-magnetic. You might encounter beryllium in certain alloys, electrical contacts, or X-ray windows. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) lists beryllium and beryllium compounds on the Proposition 65 list because they are known to cause cancer. This listing is based on scientific evidence showing that inhaling beryllium dust or fumes can increase cancer risk, particularly lung cancer. The substance was added to the list in 1987. Because of this, California law requires businesses to provide warnings if they expose people to beryllium in amounts that could be harmful. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative. Source: California OEHHA Proposition 65 List (https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list)

Authoritative source

Issuing body: California Proposition 65
Primary register: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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