Development of Lead-Free Materials for Radiation Shielding in Medical Settings: A Review

Overview

Journal J Biomed Phys Eng

Publisher Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Jul 19

PMID 39027711

Authors

Arash Safari

Payman Rafie

Shahram Taeb

Masoud Najafi

Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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. Leadfree 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.

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