Radiation Protection  

Lead should be the material of choice in any design for X-ray or gamma radiation shielding.  When other materials are considered, "comparisons are usually expressed in terms of lead because it represents the best practical gamma shield material for most applications." (Quoted from AEC's authoritative "Reactor Shielding Design Manual").  It provides maximum protection with a minimum thickness therefore saving weight and space.  Roller lead sheet, 99.99% pure is recommended.  
 
Applications

Partitions and walls, doors and window frames, transportation of radioactive materials, laboratories, dental offices, hospitals, mobile lead screens and nuclear energy.

 		  
Availability:
Milled sheet lead*
Lead/drywall
Lead/plywood
Lead bricks		 Rolls
Panels
Panels
2"X 4"X 8"
4"X 4"X 2"		 8' X 20'
4' X  8'
4' X  8'
Interlocking bricks

Lead shot
Lead castings

 2" X 3" X 8"
2" X 4" X 8"
various diameters
Poured lead fillings

*Full range of thicknesses

 

  
Recommended Thickness of Lead Shielding for X-ray rooms

X-Rays generated
by peak Voltages
not exceeding

Minimum Thickness
of Lead

mm

inch

Corresponding
weight of Lead
lb/sq. ft

75 kv.
100 kv.
125 kv.
150 kv.
175 kv.
200 kv.
225 kv.
300 kv.
400 kv.
500 kv.
600 kv.
900 kv.

1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
5.0
9.0
15.0
22.0
34.0
51.0

0.039
0.059
0.079
0.098
0.118
0.157
0.197
0.354
0.591
0.369
1.343
2.000

2 1/2
4
5
7
8
10
13
24
38
56
81
120

 

  
   

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