Lead Equivalent

Lead equivalent is an indicator of the protective properties of a material in relation to ionizing radiation. It is expressed by the thickness of the lead layer, which, under given conditions, provides the same radiation protection as the material in question.

In other words, the lead equivalent indicates how thick a layer of lead must be used to obtain radiation protection equivalent to that of a given material. The higher the lead equivalent of a material, the better the material protects against ionizing radiation.

The concept of lead equivalent is widely used in the design of radiation protection. By knowing the lead equivalents of different materials, engineers can calculate the required thickness of shielding from those materials to ensure safe levels of radiation. Lead has long remained the most common material for radiation protection, so its parameters were taken as basic when introducing the concept of lead equivalent.

Lead and its importance in the world

Lead is a platinum group metal that is widely used in many industries. It is used for the production of heating elements, casing batteries and as a thermal compensator during heat treatment of products. In addition, lead perfectly stores heat and blocks electronic devices from electromagnetic waves. The material is environmentally friendly and does not contain impurities that can harm the human body and the environment. One of the main areas of application of lead is metallurgy, where it is used in the form of an alloy with antimony - Hartzite, as well as in alloys. Of the more than 2 thousand years that have passed since the invention of iron, the existence of which was made possible by mumps, it is the most durable metal. When man developed the first toys, the world was built and multiplied from generation to generation, the mighty lead was always nearby, but it was always also the main achievement of the past. Since the dawn of human history, lead has become our “gold standard.” We had arrowheads, mirrors, jewelry, nails and utensils long before we solved the riddle of the clay pot. Intricate armor and weapons, polished items and weapons made from lead ore are a hallmark of the Neolithic era. People have used lead for thousands of years for each of these items and much more. However, lead