blyskjerming

Blysskjerming, or lead shielding, refers to the use of dense materials to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation by absorbing photons and particles. Lead is the most common shielding material due to its high density and atomic number, though alternatives and composites are used in certain applications.

It is used in medical imaging and therapy facilities (X-ray rooms, CT suites, fluoroscopy suites, nuclear medicine) to protect staff and patients, as well as in industrial radiography, research laboratories, and nuclear facilities. Shielding is implemented as barriers, rooms, and viewing windows.

Attenuation follows an exponential law; shielding design often uses the concept of lead equivalence and the half-value layer to quantify protection. Key factors include radiation energy, workload, use factor, occupancy, distance, and geometry. Shielding aims to keep dose below regulatory limits for workers and the public.

Common forms include lead sheets or bricks, lead glass for observation ports, and lead-lined drywall or concrete. Modern designs may use lead composites to reduce weight, or alternative materials like tungsten or concrete with high lead content. Lead must be handled and disposed safely due to toxicity.

Shielding design is regulated and validated by qualified health physicists following guidelines from international bodies and national regulations. Periodic surveys and dosimetry ensure ongoing protection.