Beryllium

Senator Bartlett asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 10 March 2005:

1. In relation to beryllium exposure by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, is testing for exposure conducted by urine test or blood test.
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2. Does the department believe that a urine test is sufficient to determine exposure to beryllium, particularly in people who have had chronic low dose exposures some years ago, and whether any potential risk is posed.
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3. Will the department insist on blood tests to determine whether, with past exposure to beryllium-containing dusts, these people have become 'sensitised' to beryllium.
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4. Does the department intend to conduct any medical research into beryllium and the effects on exposure by veterans.
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5. Which veterans, or serving personnel, is the department contacting in relation to their possible exposure to beryllium, and how is this contact being made.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. All claims by former or serving Defence personnel are being appropriately dealt with by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
2. , 3. and 4. Refer to answer (1).
5. The action taken so far to contact those who may have been exposed has included:
   1. three media releases on the issue of possible beryllium-related exposure;
   2. the establishment of the Beryllium Information Service, telephone number 1800 000 644;
   3. posting comprehensive information about beryllium-related exposure on Defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs websites; and
   4. articles in the single service newspapers.
   
   Defence plans to contact those people who have registered with the Beryllium Information Service.

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