A Comparative Study of Photon Radiation-Shielding Properties of Different Glass Types for Use in Health Facilities

Abstract

The usage of X-ray generating devices and gamma-ray sources such as 60Co and 137Cs for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications has increased globally. However, exposure to radiation from these sources can cause detrimental effects on biological tissues. Thus, to optimise radiation safety, effective radiation shields are required. This study used the photon shielding and dosimetry (PSD) software to simulate and compare the photon shielding properties of phosphate, bismuthate, tellurite, silicate and borate glass for use in medical facilities. The parameters investigated included mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean-free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z_eff). The results showed that bismuthate glass had the highest MAC and LAC values followed by tellurite, silicate, phosphate and borate glass respectively. It was also found that bismuthate glass had the lowest HVL and MFP values followed by tellurite, silicate, phosphate and borate glass. Since materials with high MAC and LAC and low HVL and MFP are associated with higher photon stoppage powers, bismuthate glass are better photon shielding materials compared to the rest of the glass examined in this study. Conversely, borate glass presented the least shielding potential compared to phosphate, silicate and tellurite glass.