Which material is commonly used for shielding against radiation?

The use of lead or concrete as materials for radiation shielding is well established in the field of radiation safety. Lead is a dense metal that is effective at absorbing gamma rays and X-rays, which are types of high-energy radiation. Its high atomic number contributes to its ability to attenuate these forms of radiation effectively, making it ideal for use in shielding applications. Concrete, on the other hand, is a cost-effective option that can be used in larger structures to provide adequate shielding against various types of radiation. It offers the advantage of being able to provide significant thickness and mass, which are both beneficial for radiation attenuation.

In industrial radiography, where high levels of radiation might be present, choosing the right material for shielding is crucial to ensure the safety of personnel working near radiation sources. The effectiveness of shielding materials is determined by their density, thickness, and atomic composition, and both lead and concrete meet these criteria favorably.

While glass, steel, and plastic can provide some level of shielding, they are not as effective as lead or concrete for high-energy gamma radiation and X-rays. Glass, for example, may be useful for low-level radiation but does not offer the same protection as lead. Steel has some effectiveness but typically requires greater thickness to achieve the same