Experts teach Hanford workers about beryllium

This is an Associated Press Article published by the Tri-City Herald newspaper in Washington State.

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) – The Department of Energy is bringing in experts to teach former Hanford Nuclear Reservation workers about beryllium exposure.

Inhaling particles of the metal can cause incurable lung disease. The Tri-City Herald reports that at least 32 workers have been diagnosed at Hanford with chronic beryllium disease, including 17 people still at the nuclear reservation. But that does not count workers whose illness was not diagnosed before they left Hanford.

The Department of Energy says it wants to help former Hanford workers learn more about whether their health could be affected by the metal, how to get screened and how to obtain financial compensation available for those who are ill.

A meeting is scheduled for former workers Monday at a Richland hotel.