Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
In radiography, effective radiation shielding is crucial to ensure the safety of patients, medical staff, and the public. Traditionally, lead has been the primary shielding material due to its high atomic number and density, which provide efficient radiation attenuation. However, lead presents several challenges, including significant weight, toxicity, long-term health risks, and serious environmental concerns. Lead waste is classified as hazardous due to its non-biodegradable nature, potential for soil and water contamination, and difficulties associated with safe disposal and recycling processes. These issues have driven the search for safer and more sustainable alternatives. Recent advancements have led to the development of lead-free shielding materials designed to replace conventional lead-based shields. Among these, lead-free multilayered polymer composites have emerged as promising substitutes, often enhanced with elements such as bismuth, tungsten, barium, tin, cadmium, gadolinium, antimony, and molybdenum to improve their radiation protection capabilities. This study examines the potential of these alternatives to address the limitations of traditional lead shielding, with a particular focus on their development and application in medical settings. By reducing toxicity, lowering weight, and improving recyclability, these materials offer a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious approach to radiation protection.
Keywords
References
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 102: Non-Ionizing Radiation, Part 2: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. Lyon: IARC, 2013.
- Z. Huan, Y. Zheng, K. Wang, Z. Shen, W. Ni, J. Zua, Y. Shao, “Advancements in radiation resistance and reinforcement strategies of perovskite solar cells in space applications,” J. Mater. Chem. A, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 1910–1922, 2024.
- H. Omer, “Radiobiological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation,” Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 5585–5592, 2021.
- L. R. Dartnell, “Ionizing Radiation and Life,” Astrobiology, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 551–582, 2011.
- G. Sgouros, “Alpha-particles for targeted therapy,” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 60, no. 12, pp. 1402–1406, 2008.
- B. Collum, “Radiation” in Nuclear Facilities, Elsevier, pp. 45–60, 2017.
- M. Bauckneht, C. Ciccarese, R. Laudicella, C. Mosillo, F. D’Amico, A. Anghelone, A. Strusi, V. Beccia, S. Bracarda, G. Fornarini, G. Tortora, R. Iacovelli, “Theranostics revolution in prostate cancer: Basics, clinical applications, open issues and future perspectives,” Cancer Treatment Reviews, vol. 124, p. 102698, 2024.
- U. Akar Tarim, “Assessment of the Usability of a Composite Containing Boron Carbide for Shielding the Gamma Rays,” Sakarya University Journal of Science, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 159–167, 2023.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Materials Engineering (Other)
Journal Section
Review
Early Pub Date
October 21, 2025
Publication Date
October 27, 2025
Submission Date
July 5, 2025
Acceptance Date
August 29, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 29 Number: 5
APA
Abushahla, K. H. A., & Arslan, H. (2025). Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review. Sakarya University Journal of Science, 29(5), 602-625. https://doi.org/10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274
AMA
1.Abushahla KHA, Arslan H. Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review. SAUJS. 2025;29(5):602-625. doi:10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274
Chicago
Abushahla, Khalid H A, and Halil Arslan. 2025. “Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review”. Sakarya University Journal of Science 29 (5): 602-25. https://doi.org/10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274.
EndNote
Abushahla KHA, Arslan H (October 1, 2025) Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review. Sakarya University Journal of Science 29 5 602–625.
IEEE
[1]K. H. A. Abushahla and H. Arslan, “Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review”, SAUJS, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 602–625, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274.
ISNAD
Abushahla, Khalid H A - Arslan, Halil. “Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review”. Sakarya University Journal of Science 29/5 (October 1, 2025): 602-625. https://doi.org/10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274.
JAMA
1.Abushahla KHA, Arslan H. Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review. SAUJS. 2025;29:602–625.
MLA
Abushahla, Khalid H A, and Halil Arslan. “Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review”. Sakarya University Journal of Science, vol. 29, no. 5, Oct. 2025, pp. 602-25, doi:10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274.
Vancouver
1.Khalid H A Abushahla, Halil Arslan. Lead-Free Alternatives for Radiation Shielding in Medical Environments: A Comprehensive Review. SAUJS. 2025 Oct. 1;29(5):602-25. doi:10.16984/saufenbilder.1735274