High Sensitivity, Low Cost Fluorescence Detection for Beryllium Particulates

The unique properties of beryllium (Be) have lead to many applications, ranging from the aerospace and nuclear industry to manufacturing and electronics. Unfortunately, beryllium is a Class A EPA carcinogen and, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease. This project will demonstrate the use of fluorescence to improve the detection limit for beryllium. In Phase I, it was shown that beryllium can be measured at the ultra-low levels required to assure worker safety. Phase II will demonstrate a working system, which includes a fluorometer that will be amenable to commercialization. The second goal of Phase II is to automate the system so that more than 240 samples can be processed per shift. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A simpler, inexpensive method to analyze beryllium, which can be used on site for fast quantitative results, will allow industry and government laboratories to better protect their staffs.