The segment is based on a six-part investigative series by The Blade last year. The segment is based on a six-part investigative series by The Blade last year. It's a very important story,'' ABC producer Jeff Diamond said.
Beryllium is a strong, lightweight metal used in nuclear bombs.
The metal's dust can cause a chronic, incurable lung disease. About 1,200 people have contracted the illness nationwide since the 1940s, including at least 75 current or former workers at the Brush Wellman plant near Elmore. I want everybody to be aware of what is going on,'' he said. Despite recent publicity about the dangers of beryllium, many local people don't seem concerned, he said. The Blade series has sparked major safety reforms, numerous lawsuits, and two congressional investigations.