Arash Safari - Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Payman Rafie - Department of Nuclear Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Shahram Taeb - Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Masoud Najafi - Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran
Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi - Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Radiation protection is an essential issue in diagnostic radiology to ensure the safety of patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Lead has traditionally been used as a shielding material due to its high atomic number, high density, and effectiveness in attenuating radiation. However, some concerns related to the long-term health effects of toxicity, environmental disease as well as heavy weight of lead have led to the search for alternative lead-free shielding materials. Lead‑free multilayered polymer composites and non-lead nano-composite shields have been suggested as effective shielding materials to replace conventional lead-based and single metal shields. Using several elements with high density and atomic number, such as bismuth, barium, gadolinium, and tungsten, offer significant enhancements in the shielding ability of composites. This review focuses on the development and use of lead-free materials for radiation shielding in medical settings. It discusses the drawbacks of traditional lead shielding, such as toxicity, weight, and recycling challenges, and highlights the benefits of lead-free alternatives.

Radiation protection, Radiation, Radiography, X-rays, Lead-Free Shields, Multilayered Polymer Composites, Nano-Composite Shields