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Beryllium is a naturally occurring metal within the environment. This metal has many characteristics that make it optimal for industrial use. Some of these characteristics include that is it lightweight, hard, a good electrical conductor, a good thermal conductor, and it is non-magnetic. There are many industries that currently use beryllium or have used beryllium in the past; these industries include: metal-working (jet brake pads and aerospace components), ceramic manufacturing (jet engine blades and rocket covers), electronics (X-ray windows), atomic energy industry (nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons), laboratory work (chemistry), extraction (ore and scrap metal), and dental work (alloys in crowns, bridges, and dental plates). As can be seen by the many industries that may use beryllium, there are many people who may be risk of exposure. This high risk of exposure is a public health concern.
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