Beryllium naturally enters surface water and ground water through the weathering of rocks and soils or from industrial wastewater discharges. The major source of environmental releases from human activities are coal and fuel oil combustion. Beryllium dust enters the air from burning coal and oil. This beryllium dust will eventually settle over the land and water. Most beryllium in soil does not dissolve in water and remains bound to soil.
Some people who drink water containing beryllium well in excess of the MCL over many years could develop intestinal lesions.
MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Beryllium levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).
ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Beryllium levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.
- Ohio Department of Health - Private Water Systems Program - Water Quality (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/eh/water/PrivateWaterSystems/quality...)
- USEPA - Water: Drinking Water Contaminants - Drinking Water Contaminants
- USEPA - Water: Basic Information about Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants - Basic Information about Beryllium in Drinking Water (http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/beryllium.cfm)
- ATSDR - Toxic Substances Portal - Beryllium
- ATSDR ToxFAQs Fact Sheet - Beryllium