Beryllium Fluoride

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A white colored, crystalline, inorganic compound that emits toxic fumes of beryllium oxides, hydrofluoric acid and other fluorinated compounds upon heating. Beryllium fluoride is mainly used to produce beryllium metal and alloys and is also used in the production of glass and nuclear reactors. Inhalation exposure to its dust irritates the nose, throat and lungs and can cause pneumonitis. Prolonged exposure can result in a chronic beryllium disease called berylliosis causing granuloma and fibrosis formation in the lungs. Beryllium is a known carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - BERYLLIUM FLUORIDE