If you’re wondering what material blocks X-rays you’re probably expecting to find dense and heavy substances that reflect this type of energy.
The truth is that there are many different materials that reflect and block X-rays. But, it’s important to understand that not all materials provide the same level of protection. And, the only way to choose the best protective gear is to understand the level of protection that each one of these materials provides.
In this article, we’ll share a few of the materials that block X-rays, We’ll also discuss the different coefficients you should consider when shopping for radioactive protective gear and give you tips to choose the best equipment.
Materials that Block X-Rays and Other Forms of Radiation
What materials can block X-rays? Before delving into this question, it’s important to note that the materials on this list provide different reflection levels.
Because of this, it’s also important to consider the extent to which these materials block radiation and how they are used in different settings.
Lead and Other Metals
Lead is a widely recognized material for blocking X-rays due to its high linear attenuation coefficient and stopping power.
Lead’s linear attenuation coefficient is approximately 0.5 cm⁻¹ for diagnostic X-ray energies, making it highly effective. Likewise, other metals like tungsten and bismuth also provide strong X-ray protection due to their density and atomic structure.
Concrete, Leaded Glass, and Water
Concrete’s ability to block X-rays comes from its composition, with a linear attenuation coefficient around 0.15 cm⁻¹.
Leaded glass offers transparency with protection thanks to its higher coefficient, so it can be used to produce prescription safety gear.
Water, although less effective, has a coefficient of about 0.02 cm⁻¹ and is used in radiation therapy for its mild moderating properties.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene, while not as dense as metals, is effective against neutron radiation, with a linear attenuation coefficient around 0.01 cm⁻¹ for X-rays.
Its stopping power makes it suitable for lightweight shielding applications, especially when layered and used in environments where reducing secondary radiation is critical, such as in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
Shielding Properties to Keep in Mind
Now that we have a better idea of what materials block X-rays, let’s take a closer look at what the shielding properties mean.
Linear Attenuation Coefficient
The linear attenuation coefficient measures how effectively a material can absorb or scatter X-rays as they pass through it. Higher coefficients indicate greater X-ray blocking power, making the material more suitable for shielding applications in medical as well as industrial settings.
Stopping Power
Stopping power refers to a material’s ability to slow down or completely stop incoming radiation, such as X-rays or particles. Materials with high stopping power are essential in protective gear, as they reduce the penetration depth of radiation, and thus, its harmful effects.
Best Personal Protection Equipment for X-Rays
Now that we’ve discussed what blocks X-rays, let’s take a closer look at these materials in action.
There are many types of radiation equipment that you can use to protect your medical staff and patients from ionizing energy. The materials found in this protective gear can vary depending on their shape, application, and body part. Let’s take a closer look.
Radiation Aprons
As the name suggests, radiation aprons are protective equipment that helps safeguard the core and visceral organs of the person wearing them.
This piece of protective garment can help prevent excess ionizing energy from passing through the body during imaging and treatment. Suitable for both patients and practitioners, it’s important to note that many aprons utilize lead as the main shielding material, but it’s also possible to find gear that contains cobalt and other reflective materials.
Thyroid Shields
The thyroid is an essential organ that is in charge of regulating hormones and playing a variety of other important roles in the body. That said, the thyroid is particularly sensitive to radiation, so consistent exposure to X-rays can put a lot of unnecessary stress on this part of the body.
The good news is that you can furnish both patients and practitioners with thyroid shields to help minimize radiation, especially if the test or treatment targets that area.
Leaded Eyewear
While answering the question “what can block X-rays?” we didn’t mention any transparent materials. Nevertheless, it’s possible to get prescription leaded glasses that help protect your practitioner’s eyes without compromising safety.
Manufacturers like Barrier Technologies employ innovative techniques to create radiation-repelling glasses and help minimize the amount of damage caused by recurring radiation exposure.
Radiation Gloves
When most people think about radiation protection, they imagine a form of shield or protective gear that combats ionizing energy waves. But, it’s important to note that radiation can also be transferred through superficial contamination.
In these cases, having radiation gloves that are enhanced with lead or similar material can help prevent cross-contamination and protect your medical staff at all times.
Shields and Drapes
Movable radiation shields and drapes are used to increase the safety levels of your treatment and imaging rooms.
Drapes are often used to cover medical equipment such as tables and help minimize any residue radiation pollution. It’s important to note that these can be made to different measures, so they can present a great alternative if your facility offers a wide range of radiation treatment or imaging.
Dental Protection
Radiation has the most intense effects on the sensitive soft tissue around the body including gums. This, in turn, can cause severe issues with teeth, soft linings in your mouth, saliva glands, and other parts.
In these cases, having the right type of radiation gum shield can protect patients from long-term damage, even if they’re regularly exposed to harsh treatment or imaging.
To Wrap Up
There are many X-ray blocking materials out there. However, it’s important to understand each one in terms of efficacy and practicality in order to create a reliable security protocol for your facility.
By researching the different options you have available, you’ll be able to choose aprons and other protective equipment that’s made with materials that effectively reflect radiation.
With that said, selecting what personal protective equipment you want to provide isn’t always straightforward, especially if you have multiple devices and treatments centered around radiation.
The good news is that you don’t have to take on this challenge by yourself. Contact Barrier Technologies and our team will be glad to discuss the different options and help you choose the best protective equipment for your staff as well as patients.
