National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Beryllium & compounds: Sources of emissions

Industry sources

Mining of ores containing beryllium can contribute to higher levels in air, soil and water, i.e. small quantities of beryl are produced as a by-product of feldspar mining at Broken Hill (NSW). Emissions to air can result from combustion of coal and oil in power plants.

Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data

Some hazardous waste sites and tobacco smoke.

Natural sources

Pure beryllium is not found in nature. Beryllium compounds can be found in mineral rocks, soil, coal, oil, and volcanic dust.

Transport sources

Beryllium emissions are normally not associated with mobile sources.

Consumer products

Small quantities can be found in products such as personal computers, televisions, calculators, and microwave ovens.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist