Radiation Shielding
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Radiation shielding is used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, including particle radiation and high energy electromagnetic radiation. Radiation is poses a health hazard by causing microscopic tissue damage and can elevate risk levels for cancer and genetic damage. Radiation shielding is made of absorbing materials that are placed between the source of radiation and people or the environment. Both personal radiation shielding (like gloves and aprons) and radiation shielding construction (walls, doors, windows) can be used to reduce the risk of exposure to radiation. Lead, with its high density and high atomic number, is very effective at stopping alpha rays, gamma rays, x-rays, and radiation in general. Often, lead lined walls, doors, or glass are used in construction to minimize the risk of radiation exposure. Radiation shielding can be found in nuclear power plants, x-ray rooms, military equipment and other places.