Calculating the lead equivalent for common radiation protection shielding materials
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20250614
- VernacularTitle:常用放射防护屏蔽材料铅当量计算
- Author:
Dachuan TANG
1
;
Taoyi JIANG
;
Daoxin TANG
Author Information
1. Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangzhou Institute of Health Supervision),Guangzhou, Guangdong 510440, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Radiation protective;
Shielding;
Material;
Lead equivalent;
Equation
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2025;52(3):318-323
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To determine the fitting parameters for the Archer equation (using shielding transmission factor as variables and shielding material thickness as functions) and quadratic equation with one unknown (using lead equivalent as variables and shielding material thickness as functions) for common radiation protection shielding materials, enabling calculation of lead equivalent or required shielding material thickness. Methods The shielding transmission factor of red brick, lime-sand brick, barium sulfate protective coating, lead glass, and standard lead sheets was measured under narrow-beam X-ray exposure, with tube voltages ranging from 70 to 150 kV. The data of standard lead sheet was used as the reference for lead equivalent. Related parameters were fitted according to the Archer equation recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No. 147 and quadratic equation with one unknown relating lead equivalence to shielding materials thickness. Results The coefficients of determination for the quadratic equation with one unknown of red brick, lime-sand brick, barium sulfate coating, lead glass exceeded 0.999 3. Under 120 kV X-rays, 1 and 2 mmPb were equivalent to 101.02 and 171.09 mm red brick, 121.21 and 204.43 mm lime-sand brick, 10.63 and 24.27 mm barium sulfate coating, and 4.21 and 9.39 mm lead glass. Conclusion The Archer equation and quadratic equation with one unknown from 120 kV or higher tube voltage conditions derived in this study can be applied to calculate lead equivalent or required thickness of shielding materials under both primary and scattered radiation, without linear extrapolation. They provide a basis for radiation shielding design in radiation diagnosis and treatment facilities and for occupational radiation hazard assessments.
