Radiation Shielding Applications for Ecomass® Compounds
- Industrial x-ray shielding
- Medical x-ray shielding
- Temporary shielding at nuclear power plants
Ecomass Compounds have replaced lead in numerous radiation shielding applications. These nontoxic, high density composite materials have the same shielding capability as lead, but without the health and environmental concerns. Ecomass Compounds do not contain lead, lead compounds, or any materials considered toxic or hazardous by U.S. EPA. Ecomass Compounds comply with the European Union's Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment( RoHS) Directive 2002/95/EC.
Ecomass Compounds are used for radiation shielding in a variety of industrial portable and stationary x-ray analyzers. The elimination of lead shielding is beneficial from a hazardous materials handling and disposal perspective and also permits these units to be sold in the European Union where lead has been banned in electronic devices such as these.
In diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices that utilize x-ray or gamma ray sources, Ecomass Compounds have replaced lead shields. Again, the use of nontoxic materials in lieu of lead is advantageous for manufacturers and owner of medical equipment.
Extrusion grade Ecomass Compounds are used in nuclear power plants as temporary shielding to reduce the radiation dose received by employees and contractors working in the plant. These shields, know in the industry as “shielding blankets” provide improved shielding compared to traditional lead wool blankets without the health and environmental concerns of lead. |
