Beryllium: friend or foe?

摘要

Beryllium pervades today's technologies, from cars and computers through to dental prosthetics. Its popularity is related to its unique properties: it is lightweight, six times stiffer than steel, has a high meltingpoint (1285 °C) and heat absorption capacity, and is nonmagnetic and corrosion resistant. Beryllium also reflects neutrons and is used for nuclear power and weapons applications. In the year 2000 the US used 390 tons of beryllium, with an estimated value of 140 million. But, the metal has negative health effects: in susceptible individuals.