What precautions should we take during use? Radiation-proof barium sulfate sand contains high levels of lead and barium, making it susceptible to acid-alkali contamination. Avoid installation or storage in acidic or humid environments. 2. Glass is a fragile material with significant weight. Handle with care during movement. Its surface is more prone to scratches than ordinary glass, requiring careful handling. When installing glass, ensure it is offset from wall protection materials to prevent radiation leakage at joints. Radiation-shielding barium sulfate sand offers strong corrosion resistance, acid-alkali tolerance, suitability for acidic environments, medical radiation protection, X-ray shielding, T-room radiation protection, weighting, and sound insulation. It is a relatively affordable radiation-shielding material. It is currently widely used in medical, mining, nuclear power, and industrial radiation protection engineering fields. It plays a vital role in protecting people from radiation exposure. While radiation-shielding barium sulfate sand serves an important function, the hazards of lead itself cannot be overlooked. As is well known, lead is a toxic heavy metal highly poisonous to humans, capable of accumulating within the body. Therefore, stringent safety precautions must be implemented during standard processing or handling. Lead occurs in limited quantities in the Earth’s crust, with only trace amounts found naturally. However, the concentration of lead-bearing minerals and its low melting point (328°C) led to its utilization by ancient civilizations. Among all known toxic substances, lead is extensively documented in historical texts. Ancient records already cautioned against the dangers of using lead pipes for drinking water. Public exposure to lead occurs through numerous channels. In recent years, public concern has focused on lead content in petroleum products and pigments, particularly older pigment brands with elevated lead levels, which have caused numerous fatalities. Consequently, some countries have established environmental standards limiting pigment lead content to 600 ppm.
Radiation-shielding barium sulfate sand, simply put, functions like a lead-lined house. Why do we need it? Anyone who has undergone a CT scan knows that imaging rooms are often distinct from other hospital areas, designed with meticulous precision for radiation protection. Radiation-shielding barium sulfate effectively deflects and blocks X-rays and other radiation, making it essential in medical settings. Consider this comparison: In hospital orthopedic departments, we sometimes see patients who cannot be moved but require X-rays. To meet these patients’ needs, hospitals use mobile X-ray machines to take images. Without the shielding and blocking effect of radiation-proof barium sulfate sand in such situations, the radiation absorbed by the patient from the X-ray machine would be equivalent to four times the radiation absorbed during a single exposure in a dedicated X-ray room. It goes without saying how critical radiation protection becomes without the safeguarding provided by radiation-proof barium sulfate sand. Therefore, under the technological support of modern science, research institutions widely adopt radiation-shielding barium sulfate sand in their development processes. Of course, implementing radiation protection isn’t as simple as constructing a lead-lined room; it requires extensive coordination with manufacturers for the installation and operation of various mechanical equipment. To enhance the quality of radiation-shielding barium sulfate sand, current practices focus on eliminating components like tin from its raw materials, thereby improving its radiation-shielding capabilities. Electromagnetic radiation typically produces biological effects on the human body through thermal effects, non-thermal effects, and stimulation. High temperatures and prolonged exposure to radiation can cause harm to the human body. The severity of damage is proportional to the cumulative dose and exposure time, and inversely proportional to the distance from the radiation source. Different groups exhibit varying degrees of damage effects. Women, children, and the elderly are sensitive groups, with fetal protection being particularly critical.
