Cambridge, Massachusetts

MIT Hood Building

In 1942, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began exploring the physical properties of uranium, thorium, and beryllium. Scientists knew these elements would prove essential to nuclear energy and weapons; however, prior to World War II and the Manhattan Project, no one knew much about their properties. MIT was one of many top research facilities asked to explore these special materials, especially beryllium — a grey metal that is stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum.

Scientists would learn how beryllium could be used in nuclear reactors as a neutron source, reflector, and moderator to more effectively keep the fission process going. Metallurgical engineer Fay Cunningham, who worked with uranium and beryllium at MIT during this time, recounts that his team was asked to wear civilian clothing and keep their work top secret, a normal practice in the Manhattan Project.

Shortly after beginning research on the mysterious materials, employees began to suffer inflammation of the respiratory tract, a common symptom of beryllium disease. Because of this, research was moved off campus to the brick Hood Building. Later interviews of employees indicated the building may not have been designed for work with radioactive elements, but there wasn’t enough data to estimate exposure levels.

After the war, the newly minted Atomic Energy Commission took control of activities in the building and had Nuclear Metals Inc. work there under contract until 1958. In 1962, after special metals research ended, the Hood Building was transferred back to MIT. MIT had the former research building decontaminated, demolished, and replaced with the High-Voltage Research Laboratory.

Bibliography

Boston Globe

Center for Disease Control, SEC Petition Evaluation Report by James Mahathy and Michael S. Kubiuak. SEC-00101, February 4, 2009.

DOE (U.S. Department of Energy), 1944. “Methods and Materials, MA.01-4,” https://lmpublicsearch.lm.doe.gov/lmsites/6462-ma.01-4.pdf, accessed November 27, 2024.

DOE (U.S. Department of Energy), 1980. “Background Report for the Formerly Utilized Manhattan Engineer District/Atomic Energy Commission Sites Program, https://semspub.epa.gov/work/01/205017.pdf, accessed November 27, 2024.

“Fay Cunningham oral history interview by Cindy Kelly in Denver, Colorado, June 25, 2013.” Atomic Heritage Foundation. Voices of the Manhattan Project. https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/location/cambridge-ma/, accessed February 11, 2025.

Strehle, G. 1979. G. Strehle, Treasurer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Office of the Treasurer, letter (about MA.01-1) to W.E. Mott, acting director, Environmental Control Technology Division, U.S.

US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Beryllium. https://www.osha.gov/beryllium/. Accessed February 14, 2025.

Wallo, A., III, 1986. “Memorandum: MA.01-2,” https://lmpublicsearch.lm.doe.gov/lmsites/6460-ma.01-2.pdf, accessed November 27, 2024.

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• Manhattan Project National Historical Park

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