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Magnesium and Beryllium

Two metals with sinister reputations - one for bursting into flames, the other for causing lung disease - so are they safe to use in the bodies of aeroplanes and cars?

Two chemical elements with sinister pasts - one helped fuel the worst conflagration in motorsports history, the other destroyed the lungs of unsuspecting nuclear workers. They are also two of the lightest metals in the periodic table - making them ideal for car and aeroplane parts. But are they safe to use?

Presenter Laurence Knight travels to alloys maker Magnesium Elektron to discover whether the metal deserves its fiery reputation, and the work they are doing to reintroduce it into aeroplane seating.

We also hear from the Hanford former nuclear weapons site in Washington State, where the 麻豆社's Gianna Palmer investigates what is being done for ex-employees who were poisoned by beryllium dust. And, IBC Advanced Alloys explain how they protect the health of their workers manufacturing beryllium-aluminium parts for aerospace.

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 21 Mar 2016 01:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 19 Mar 2016 22:32GMT
  • Sun 20 Mar 2016 05:06GMT
  • Sun 20 Mar 2016 11:06GMT
  • Sun 20 Mar 2016 14:06GMT
  • Mon 21 Mar 2016 01:32GMT

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