X-rays are a part of many industries, but the high levels of radiation they emit means that lead shielding is necessary for anyone who might be exposed. As lead absorbs radiation, it has been used to effectively line the walls, ceilings and floors of x-ray rooms for years. In this post, we’ll discuss the lead shielding requirement for your x-ray room and where you can buy lead shielding.
How much lead shielding do you need for an x-ray room?
The lead shielding required for an x-ray room will depend on many factors, including the occupancy level in surrounding rooms, and material composition of the building. A physicist will analyze these factors and create a physicist’s report that determines how much lead is needed, including the lead thickness required for each part of the x-ray room.
How do you shield an x-ray room?
Lead shielding x-ray room walls
When it comes to lead shielding an x-ray room, there are a few different options. You can choose either lead-lined drywall, lead rolls, or lead-lined panels.
Lead-lined drywall
This is similar to the type of drywall that you can purchase at your local home improvement store, however there is lead glued between the drywall. These panels are pressure laminated with permanent adhesive to lead sheets. Lead-lined drywall is typically used for new construction. The thickness and amount of lead required will depend on the physicist's report.
Lead rolls
Unlike lead-lined drywall, lead rolls come in rolls instead of sheets. They are easy to unroll, bend, cut, and shape without the need of special tools. Lead rolls are a great option when you’re not able to locally source lead-lined drywall as lead rolls are less expensive to ship and deliver. Lead rolls are typically used where you have existing drywall that you can easily affix the lead rolls to and put drywall on top of it.
Lead-lined panels
Lead-lined panels are an excellent option for your x-ray room as they can be fixed together and mounted on the x-ray room wall. They are more expensive, but you can remove them to take them from one location to another, which is not possible with other types of x-ray room lead shielding.
Lead discs
Small lead discs are common and are used when mounting the drywall. When you use a screw to mount the drywall, the lead disc goes on top of the screw so you get full coverage of lead within the wall.
Lead shielding x-ray room doors
Lead-lining doors is another crucial part of shielding x-ray rooms. X-ray room doors have two solid core wood slabs - one on each side of a solid lead sheet, with the lead thickness varying from 1/32" to 3/8". Make sure to follow the physicist's report which outlines the thickness of lead required for your x-ray room doors.
Lead shielding x-ray room windows
Patients can be observed through a window in the operator area while taking x-rays. Typically, this is a 12x12" window with a lead frame and lead glass. A customized window size is possible, but make sure the glass used is rated based on the physicist’s report.
Where can you buy lead shielding materials?
Lead is a unique material that's not found in traditional hardware stores. It can be difficult to find and expensive to ship. When buying lead shielding, it's best to find a specialty lead supplier close by as lead is very heavy and difficult and expensive to transport.
Conclusion
Lead shielding is an important part of any x-ray room. It protects the operator from radiation and keeps as much radiation inside the x-ray room, so it doesn't leak out into other areas where people may be nearby. We've outlined some lead shielding materials you will need for your x-ray room project. If you have questions or want professional advice for your situation, get in touch with us today.
