High Energy Radiation Shield: non-Pb Polyethylene Composite for Interventional Radiology

Lead-based radiation shields are widely used in radiology and nuclear plants to protect workers from any unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. Recently there has been a great deal of concern expressed about the toxicity of lead. Human lead toxicity is well documented. The aim of this study was to design lead free flexible radiation shields for protection against X rays. In this investigation, two kind of metallic particles with spherical and lamellar shapes, chosen from the 6th group of Mendeleev table which potentially could be appropriate radiation shields, were studied. Results from EDX images showed an efficient mixing method in the blend of particles with HDPE, and fromradiology pictures and the turbidity test showed high amount of absorbsion of X-rays in the composite samples. This environmentally-friendly shield may replace the traditional lead-based shielding garments