Burning magnesium Ribbon in class

[sunray18]

Teachers here routinely have junior classes burn magnesium ribbon in a prac.
However, one teacher, who is ex-Industry has told us it is hazardous to do so - that the bright white light produced by burning magnesium contains ultraviolet light that can permanently damage the retinas of the eyes.
This is as bad as a welders flash!
So why ARE we all burning magnesium?
What is the reason they do it and what can we replace it with?

[DavidPeterson]

You do it just for that reason - the bright light!

It's also a good one to show the mass gain as the magnesium combines with oxygen to form the magnesium oxide. Good also as an impressive example of indicators of a chemical reaction, ie release of energy (light), formation of new substance, change in mass etc

Each time I do it, or a teacher does it, I make sure I give the warning to look to the side and not directly at the burning ribbon. Not that everyone listens......

[nickykinz]

I was told once that if you cut up pieces of exposed film the students could look through it at the Mg burning. I found some old x-rays and cut pieces off the edges but was never brave enough to use it as I wasn't convinced it would be enough protection.

[RosalieM]

We do it but kids are always warned not to look at it. As soon as it ignites they lower it into the sink where it is out of the direct line of sight and they can see it lighting up the whole sink.