Bismuth Shielding
Safe and Effective Radiation Protection
At Nuclear Shields, we manufacture and supply bismuth-based radiation shielding for applications that require lead-free protection. Bismuth provides strong attenuation against ionising radiation while being non-toxic and environmentally responsible, making it a safe and efficient alternative to lead.
What is bismuth shielding
Bismuth (chemical symbol Bi, atomic number 83) is a heavy metal known for its high atomic number and density of 9.78 g/cm³, both key factors in absorbing X-rays and gamma radiation. When photons interact with bismuth, energy is reduced through photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering, effectively lowering exposure levels.
Because of these properties, bismuth is widely adopted as a lead replacement in systems that demand clean, safe, and compliant shielding materials. It provides excellent performance in terms of attenuation efficiency, stability, and recyclability.
Why choose bismuth
- Non-toxic and lead-free: Suitable for environments where lead use is restricted by regulation or hygiene requirements.
- Strong attenuation: The high atomic number enables efficient shielding against X-rays and gamma radiation.
- Recyclable material: Bismuth can be recovered and reused indefinitely without loss of shielding capacity.
Key benefits
| Benefit | What it delivers |
|---|---|
| Safe, non-toxic material | Ideal for applications where traditional lead shielding is unsuitable |
| High shielding efficiency | Excellent absorption of ionising radiation |
| Long-term stability | Maintains structure and performance under demanding conditions |
| Recyclable and sustainable | 100% reusable without degradation of shielding properties |