> It's only a century since hatmakers routinely died of mercury
> poisoning because of the production process and half that since
> the dangers of working with asbestos were formally recognised.
>
> Even if the bronzesmiths recognised the dangers it doesn't follow
> that they'd stop doing socially important work.
The problem with beryllium is that the dust is lethal on first or
second exposure... You'd not have time to learn your craft. :)
Paul