Lead Shielding
Effective Protection Against Ionising Radiation
At Nuclear Shields, we manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of lead shielding products for radiation protection in medical, industrial, research and nuclear environments. Lead shielding is essential wherever X-rays or gamma radiation are generated or handled, offering one of the most efficient and compact forms of protection available.
What is lead shielding
Lead’s high atomic number (Z = 82) and density of 11.34 g/cm³ make it one of the most effective materials for attenuating ionising radiation. As radiation passes through lead, photons lose energy through absorption and scattering, which drastically reduces exposure levels.
Why use lead shielding
- Efficient radiation protection: A thin layer of lead can stop high-energy photons that would otherwise penetrate most materials.
- Versatile supply formats: Lead can be delivered as sheet, brick, drywall panel, or custom-cast component to suit any layout.
- Recyclable material: Lead can be recovered and reused indefinitely without loss of shielding performance, supporting sustainable use.
- Regulatory compliance: Lead shielding enables systems to meet international safety and exposure standards (IAEA, IEC, ISO).
Common applications
- Medical imaging: CT, SPECT, and fluoroscopy rooms, scanner housings and operator protection.
- Industrial inspection: X-ray and gamma testing, manufacturing quality control and process-line shielding.
- Research and detection: lead shields for germanium detectors, isotope analysis and laboratory enclosures.
- Nuclear and isotope handling: hot cells, glove boxes and source containment structures.
- OEM systems: integrated lead shielding for scanning and radiation-emitting devices.