What Element Shields People from Radioactive Substances?

What element is used as a shield to protect people from radioactive substances? The answer to this question varies depending on the type of radiation, but in general terms, lead, tungsten, boron, and concrete are usually regarded as great ways to protect against ionizing energy.

But, which element is the best at offering protection when working with radiation equipment?

In this article, we‘ll go over the different metals and other materials that can provide protection against radiation and give you tips on choosing the best safety accessories for your facility.

 

Which Element Provides the Best Protection Against Radioactive Substances?

Before delving into the answer to this question, it’s important to note that there are many materials that provide protection against radiation.

For instance, concrete may provide protection against radiation, but a high level of attenuation would require a solid barrier of at least a few centimeters in thickness. Because of this, creating protective barriers made of concrete and similar materials is not an option.

So, what element is used as a shield to protect people from radioactive substances?

Simply put, lead is the golden standard for radiation protection because it’s very dense and contains an elevated number of atoms (82), so it can absorb most radiation and reflect any excess energy.

Lead is a heavy metal, but modern aprons and similar protective gear have to be lightweight in order to remain comfortable. The good news is that protective aprons feature a layered design that consists of ultra-thin layers that provide shielding while also being lightweight, which makes them ideal for long procedures and other activities.

 

What Is Radiation and Radiation Shielding Materials?

Ionizing radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves and particles that are invisible to the naked eye, but can penetrate certain materials including human skin. When this occurs, radiation can cause cellular damage and in your body’s DNA.

It’s important to note that there are different types of radiation. While rays like alpha can be blocked with materials as thin as paper, other types of radiation require dense and hard shielding materials, like X-rays and Gamma rays.

Lead is such a good shielding material because it provides two mechanisms to handle radiation. The first characteristic of lead that allows it to protect against radiation is its absorption properties.

Simply put, a sheet lead has a photoelectric effect that allows it to absorb radiation, so the ionizing energy doesn’t pass through the other side of the barrier. Not only this, but the excess energy that can’t be absorbed by the layer of lead simply bounces off in the opposite direction. In other words, whatever radiation is not absorbed by lead is simply reflected in the opposite direction.

 

Why Should You Prevent Radiation Exposure?

As we mentioned earlier, radiation consists of powerful energy that penetrates the skin and can cause cellular damage. Powerful, concentrated radiation can cause immediate effects, but the biggest problem with direct exposure is that it causes long-term health issues such as genetic mutations, increased risk of cancer, and damage to your internal organs.

Besides, medical clinics and other facilities need to adhere to the rules outlined by OSHA and other regulatory entities. In addition to reducing the risk of long-term health issues, adhering to these regulations can also help you create a safe environment and prevent legal battles later on.

 

Lead’s Radiation-Shielding Properties

Let’s take a closer look at the properties that help lead absorb and repel radiation.

 

Linear Attenuation Coefficient

The linear attenuation coefficient is a crucial factor in radiation shielding, as it measures how effectively a material absorbs or reduces radiation intensity.

Lead’s high atomic number gives it an exceptional attenuation coefficient, making it one of the most effective barriers against ionizing radiation. The greater the coefficient, the better the material can protect against harmful exposure.

 

Stopping Power

Stopping power refers to a material’s ability to slow down or completely block radiation from passing through. Lead, tungsten, and high-density polymers are designed to absorb radiation by either scattering or absorbing the energy before it reaches the body.

The right shielding material ensures maximum protection while maintaining comfort and efficiency in medical and research settings.

 

How to Select Your Radiation Protection Products

Selecting the best radiation safety products for your facility is a complex decision. The first thing you should keep in mind is the application that your aprons and other safety accessories will have.

For instance, dental clinics will have very different requirements than hospitals, even though both are medical fields that employ radiation equipment. Dental offices will most likely feature low-dose radiation imaging equipment, whereas hospitals and other medical facilities may carry out procedures that have elevated radiation levels.

 

Lightweight and Lead-Free Radiation Shielding Apparel

Are you looking for lightweight radiation shielding apparel that has the same equivalence and protection as lead?

We’ve manufactured lead and lead-free aprons as well as other security apparel for the best part of two decades. Our tungsten aprons provide the same level of protection and attenuation as our lead models, so you can always opt for a lightweight, high-quality alternative that doesn’t contain this heavy metal.

 

Get the Best Shielding for Your Radiation Experts

Whether you’re managing a medical, research, or industrial facility, providing the right level of protection around radiation equipment and radioactive materials is essential. Lead is the golden standard when it comes to radiation protection, but it’s also possible to get the same protection equivalence from tungsten and other lightweight shielding materials.

Radiation is a powerful type of energy and it’s actively used in a huge collection of applications, so knowing how to protect your team can be the difference between keeping them safe and having their health compromised down the line.

At Barrier Technologies, we have extensive experience designing and manufacturing radiation protection products for a wide range of applications, including medical, research, and industrial purposes. If you are not sure what type of lead or material is best, contact us today and our team will be happy to help.