Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began experimental work on producing uranium metal in the spring of 1942 using a process involving melting and casting. It is this uranium metallurgical work which took place on the MIT campus by MIT employees that supports its designation as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE).

MIT is also designated as a beryllium vendor. MIT’s work with beryllium was known as the “Metallurgical Project” and started when it entered into a research and development contract with the Manhattan Engineer District (MED). The Metallurgical Project involved studying the characteristics of beryllium metal and attempting to make a satisfactory beryllium-uranium alloy. In addition, beryllium oxide crucibles were made for use by the MED.

After a number of its employees contracted beryllium disease, MIT consolidated the activities described above in an off-campus site known as the Hood Building, which is a separate covered facility under the EEOICPA. The transition to the Hood Building was complete by the fall of 1946.

Type of Facility

• Atomic Weapons Employer
• Beryllium Vendor

Covered by EEOICPA

• Part B

EEOICPA Covered Years

• 1942-1946 (AWE)
• 1943-1946 (beryllium vendor)

DOE

• DOE Facility List by Name
• FUSRAP Considered Site

DOL

• Tracking your DOL Claim Status
• Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health
• Ombudsman’s Office
• Resource Center
• DOL Case and Claim Statistics
• Circular 08-01: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

NIOSH

• FAQs About Your Case
  
• Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health
• AWE Site Wide Documents
• NIOSH Case Statistics
• Work Site Information

Other Resources

• Atomic Heritage Foundation
• Library of Congress Historic Buildings
• Waste Lands-America’s Forgotten Nuclear Legacy Database