Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{201733,
        author = {Rishabh and Mamta Verma and Mayank Pal Singh and Rupali},
        title = {Lead-Free and Lightweight Radiation Shielding Materials: A Radiology-Centric Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {5471-5479},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=201733},
        abstract = {Background: The requirement for efficient, ergonomic, and ecologically friendly shielding systems is highlighted by the fast expansion of diagnostic and interventional radiology, which has increased worker and patient exposure to ionising radiation. Despite its great performance, traditional lead-based protective gear is linked to toxicity, disposal issues, and severe musculoskeletal strain in healthcare personnel.

Methods: This review is based on a structured search of peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025, retrieved from databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink.

Results: With a focus on their use in diagnostic and interventional radiology, recent developments in lead-free polymer-based shielding materials are reviewed. Composites based on tungsten, bismuth, tin, and hybrid fillers show encouraging attenuation efficiency in addition to increased flexibility, decreased weight, and enhanced ergonomic performance.

Conclusion: Lightweight, lead-free shielding materials provide a useful substitute for traditional lead-based protection. In addition to resolving environmental issues, their adoption promotes worker safety and is in line with Indian and international radiation safety priorities. To enable its broader clinical adoption, more research is essential.},
        keywords = {Lead-free shielding, Radiation protection, Diagnostic radiology, Polymer composites, X-ray attenuation, Occupational safety},
        month = {May},
        }