In South Korea, a tertiary hospital is exploring eco-friendly alternatives to lead for radiation shielding in diagnostic radiography departments. These alternatives include lead-free boards made primarily of calcium sulfate and barium sulfate. As the use of diagnostic radiography equipment increases, the hospital calculates the necessary thickness for effective radiation protection, considering patient volume and device type. Using a program based on NCRP Report No. 147, findings reveal that lead-free boards must be significantly thicker than traditional lead to provide the same level of protection. For instance, chest radiography rooms require 37.5 mm of lead-free material compared to just 2.5 mm of lead. The study underscores the environmental and health risks of lead, promoting lead-free materials and customized shielding designs to enhance safety and sustainability in medical facilities.
Are lead-free materials effective for radiation shielding in diagnostic radiology?
