Heavy metals is improved with the addition of thorium. Tellurium is added to copper and steel alloys to improve their machinability; and to lead to make it harder and more acid-resistant. The biocidal effects of some heavy metals have been known since antiquity. Platinum, osmium, copper, ruthenium, and other heavy metals, including arsenic, are used in anti-cancer treatments, or have shown potential. Antimony (anti-protozoal), bismuth (anti-ulcer), gold (anti-arthritic), and iron (anti-malarial) are also important in medicine. Copper, zinc, silver, gold, or mercury are used in antiseptic formulations; small amounts of some heavy metals are used to control algal growth in, for example,
Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia the Amalgamated Metals, Foundry and Shipwrights' Union in February 1983. Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia The Federated Moulders' (Metals) Union of Australia (FMMUA) was an Australian trade union which existed between 1899 and 1983. It represented moulders - skilled tradesmen who fabricated the moulds used to cast metal products in foundries. Despite its exclusive attitude towards membership, which kept the total number of FMMUA members low throughout its existence, the vital position of moulders in major industries such as mining, manufacturing and the railways ensured that the union remained industrially powerful, and the union had a reputation for being