Issue:

This research builds on a preliminary WorkSafeBC funded project on Beryllium Disease assessment.

It is unknown whether, and the extent to which, beryllium exposure and possible consequential Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) exists in B.C. workplaces. CBD was first recognized in Canada in the 1990s with the first workers diagnosed ten years ago in Quebec in exotic metal and recycling foundries and the aerospace industry. No cases have yet been diagnosed in B.C., yet it is suspected this may be due to diagnostic confusion with sarcoidosis, which is clinically and histopathologically indistinguishable from CBD. This assessment will provide valuable information to determine the need for, and efficacy of, a pilot CBD surveillance program.

Objectives:

The objective of the research is to determine whether or not the industries associated with excess numbers of sarcoidosis cases in B.C. do in fact have evidence for beryllium exposure and disease

Anticipated Results:

Results of the research may have implications for workplace health and safety education and practices, and industry policies.

Investigators:

Tim Takaro (Simon Fraser University)