Evaluating lead-free alternatives for radiation shielding in diagnostic radiology: a case study from a tertiary general hospital in Korea

With the continued increase in the number of pieces of diagnostic medical radiography equipment being used, radiation shielding in radiology departments is becoming increasingly important. Lead is the most commonly used material for radiation protection; however, there are numerous disadvantages associated with the use of lead, including environmental hazards and harm to the human body. Alternative shielding materials that can be used as replacements include barium sulfate, tungsten, or bismuth. Among alternative materials, barium sulfate appears to be the most cost-effective and easiest to process. In the present study, before constructing shielding barriers, a barrier thickness program for lead-free barrier materials based on National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 147 was used to determine the appropriate barrier thickness. The required thickness for lead-free boards for each type of diagnostic radiography room was calculated based on a tertiary general hospital in the Republic of Korea.