Carcinogenicity of beryllium: Review of the literature

The carcinogenicity of beryllium (Be) is reviewed. At least 17 different senior authors have published 27 different scientific articles which demonstrate the carcinogenicity of 13 different beryllium compounds. Osteogenic sarcomas can be induced in rabbits by the intravenous injection or by the inhalation of Be compounds. Lung cancer can be induced in rats and monkeys by intratracheal injections and inhalation exposures. The first published report on the carcinogenicity of Be was in 1946.