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Defence
is investigating the use of beryllium in Jasons pistol needles
between 1950 to 1985.
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Photo:
ABPH Nina Nikolin
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Defence is investigating the extent to which Jasons pistol needles
containing beryllium were used in the Navy, in which ships and
over what time frame.
Recent media reports on the use of beryllium-copper needles in
Jasons pistols have raised health concerns with some past and
present sailors.
The reports claim that exposure to the beryllium dust, created
whilst the needles broke down when stripping paint, can cause
lung disease.
CDRE Geoff Geraghty, Navy Systems Command, said he understood
that Navy people who may have used Jasons pistols in the past
may be concerned about potential exposure.
“Defence is taking the issue seriously,” CDRE Geraghty said. Navy
no longer uses berylliumcopper needles in Jasons pistols but acknowledges
that needles containing beryllium were used between 1950 to 1985.
They were used on ships where sparking by the needles may have
ignited fuel vapours, such as on HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Supply.
Sailors who have only used Jasons pistols with the more common
stainless steel needles are not at risk from this type of exposure.
Director-General of Defence Health Service, AIRCDRE Dr Tony Austin
said, “Whilst this investigation is underway, it is important
to appreciate that exposure does not automatically mean you will
have health issues.
“The risk of developing an adverse health condition as a direct
result of using the beryllium-copper needles is very, very small.
It is now known that only a small number of people exposed to
beryllium dust in this manner will develop any symptoms.
These symptoms are mainly seen in people who become sensitised
and may take up to 20 years to develop.”
There has been lots of talk in the media about medical tests for
beryllium exposure.
The facts are that a urine test is only useful in assessing people
who have had recent significant exposures, not in people who have
had chronic low-dose exposures many years previously.
For people with chronic lung disease a special blood test can
help determine whether persons with past exposure to beryllium
containing dusts have become “sensitised” to beryllium.
“Current serving members who believe they may have been exposed
to beryllium dust and have health concerns are encouraged to speak
with their unit medical staff.
All reasonable steps are being taken to provide information and
an understanding of the issues involved as quickly as possible.
Information has also been added to the Defence Health Service
website at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dhs,”
AIRCDRE Austin said.
To determine the extent of the issue, Defence is currently accessing
archived records.
CDRE Geraghty said, “Given the passage of time this is a large
undertaking, however, Defence is committed to the safety of all
its personnel along with the health and wellbeing of former members.
“While we do not have all the answers today, the public can rest
assured that the issue of exposure to beryllium dust is being
taken seriously and once the full picture is established we will
be working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to
assist individual’s concerns.”
In the meantime CDRE Geraghty encouraged former serving members
who believe they may have a service related health problem to
promptly lodge a claim with the Department of Veterans affairs
on 133 254.
Occupational Health,Safety & Compensation Branch head, Steve Grzeskowiak,
said, “Today’s OHS policy and legislation is designed to prevent
these types of workplace health issues arising in the future.”
