Designing a Shield with Lead-Free Polymer Base with High Radiation Protection for X-ray Photons in the Range of Diagnostic Radiology Using Monte Carlo Simulation Code MCNP5

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 MSc Student, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Radiation Research Center, School of Mechanical Mendes, University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

5 Instructor, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Apron used in diagnostic radiology to protect worker and patients who are exposed to unnecessary ionizing radiation, is based on lead. Although, this protection can prevent the passage of X-rays used in diagnostic radiology, but a lot of research is found that lead is a toxic metal. Therefore, a lead-free shield should be built which can be protect workers and patients from unnecessary ionizing radiation.Methods: In this method, the absorption edge of different metals in the range of the energy spectrum of diagnostic radiology was investigated. Then, with the effect of overlapping edges, different combinations of metals as input Monte Carlo simulation was considered. Information obtained from the Monte Carlo simulation defines how the composition and percentage metals can have maximum impact on reducing the transmission of X-rays from the shield.Findings: The results showed that for building lead-free shields, using 20% tin, 15% of tungsten and 45% of 20% bismuth-based polymer emulsion Poly vinyl Chloride (EPVC) combination is the best options which can reduce X-rays in the range of diagnostic radiology.Conclusion: Characterized by the use of absorption edge overlap effect in different metals we can build a lead-free shield that decreases the intensity of X-rays in the range of diagnostic radiology much better than lead shield.

Keywords

References

  1. Shahbazi-Gahrouei D. Entrance surface dose measurements for routine x-ray examinations in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari hospitals. Iran J Radiat Res 2006; 4(1): 29-33.
  2. Ngaile JE, Uiso CB, Msaki P, Kazema R. Use of lead shields for radiation protection of superficial organs in patients undergoing head CT examinations. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2008; 130(4): 490-8.
  3. Nadealian-Dastjerdi F, Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Alamatsaz MH, Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi M. Photoneutron shielding design for an 18 MV saturne 20 medical linear accelerator. J Isfahan Med Sch 2014; 32(300): 1433-43. [In Persian].
  4. Hulbert SM, Carlson KA. Is lead dust within nuclear medicine departments a hazard to pediatric patients? J Nucl Med Technol 2009; 37(3): 170-2.
  5. Verstraeten SV, Aimo L, Oteiza PI. Aluminium and lead: molecular mechanisms of brain toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2008; 82(11): 789-802.
  6. Coon T, Miller M, Shirazi F, Sullivan J. Lead toxicity in a 14-year-old female with retained bullet fragments. Pediatrics 2006; 117(1): 227-30.
  7. Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Nazem M, Sharbafchizadeh M, Saleh M. The Average of Cumulative Radiation Dose in Neonates in the Neonatal Surgery Ward Due to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiologic Procedures During the Admission Period. J Isfahan Med Sch 2011; 29(140): 626-33. [In Persian].
  8. Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi M. Investigation of patient dose from common radiology examinations in Isfahan, Iran. Adv Biomed Res 2012; 1: 11.
  9. Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Aminolroayaei F. Investigating the entrance surface and collective doses for radiographic examination in neonatal intensive care unit. J Isfahan Med Sch 2015; 33(346): 1730-9. [In Persian].
  10. Murata K, Iwata T, Dakeishi M, Karita K. Lead toxicity: does the critical level of lead resulting in adverse effects differ between adults and children? J Occup Health 2009; 51(1): 1-12.
  11. Shahbazi-Gahrouei D, Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi M. Assessment of entrance surface dose and health risk from common radiology examinations in Iran. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2013; 154(3): 308-13.
  12. Schick DK, Casey RN, Sim LH, Siddle KJ. Corrosion of lead shielding in a radiology department. Australas Radiol 1999; 43(1): 47-51.
  13. Scuderi GJ, Brusovanik GV, Campbell DR, Henry RP, Kwon B, Vaccaro AR. Evaluation of non-lead-based protective radiological material in spinal surgery. Spine J 2006; 6(5): 577-82.
  14. Martinez TP, Cournoye ME. Lead substitution and elimination study, part II. Proceedings of the WM’01 Conference; 2001 Feb 25-Mar 1; Tucson, AZ, USA.
  15. Yue K, Luo W, Dong X, Wang C, Wu G, Jiang M, et al. A new lead-free radiation shielding material for radiotherapy. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2009; 133(4): 256-60.
  16. McCaffrey JP, Shen H, Downton B, Mainegra-Hing E. Radiation attenuation by lead and nonlead materials used in radiation shielding garments. Med Phys 2007; 34(2): 530-7.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 34, Issue 385 - Serial Number 385
May and June 2016
Pages 637-641

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 06 March 2016
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

Share

How to cite

Statistics