The properties of Lead which make it
an excellent shielding material are its density, high atomic number, high level
of stability, ease of fabrication, high degree of flexibility in application,
and its availability. And that’s why lead is used as radiation protection in
applications ranging from x-ray imaging and PET rooms to nuclear reactors. In
this article, author explains how lead shielding is used for medical purposes.
Lead is the best metal in providing
protection from various sources of radiation and has become a standard in the
design of Radiation Protection systems. The properties of Lead which make it an
excellent shielding material are its density, high atomic number, high level of
stability, ease of fabrication, high degree of flexibility in application, and
its availability. And that’s why lead is used as radiation protection in
applications ranging from x-ray imaging and PET rooms to nuclear reactors.
A senior consultant from Medi-RayTM1
says about lead shielding, “Whether you are shielding radioactive
materials, X-Ray, CT, MRI or PET scanning equipment or the rooms that house
them, Medi-RayTM has the shielding components you need: sheet lead
and foils, adhesive backed and coated lead materials, custom components and
lead stampings.” (Ref: Medi-RayTM, http://www.mediray.com/product_category/products/lead_shielding
)
Radioactive materials in
laboratories and hospitals are usually handled by remote control from a
position of safety behind a wall of Lead bricks and in hospitals, X-ray
machines are normally installed in rooms shield with Lead Sheet / Lead Foil.
The X-ray can cause physical damage
to person exposed to them so it is necessary to shield the x-ray generating
units with a material that resists x-ray penetration.
For medical radiographic and
fluoroscopic rooms, the lead shielding generally does not extend above a line 7
ft., 0 in. from the finished floor; and if the services lines and ducts can be
located above this line, shielding around them is obviously unnecessary. For
X-ray therapy rooms, lead shielding may extend to the ceiling or structural
slab. The ceiling or slab above and the floor may also be lead lined, depending
upon the output and other conditions.
1. MedirayTM: MedirayTM is devoted to innovation in lead
metal technology. Since 1974, MedirayTM has been the largest
supplier of radio-pharmaceutical shipping containers. MedirayTM is
mainly known for shielding radioactive products, X-ray, PET, CT or MRI
equipment. For any further enquiry or to get free quotes, call at 877-898-3003
/ 914-979-2740 or fax at 914-337-4620. You can send e-mails at sales@mediray.com.
Office is located at 150 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe, New York 10707. Visit http://www.mediray.com/
for more information.
