Radiation Shielding
A radiation shield reduces the amount of radio frequency that interferes with an electronic device. A radiation shield is usually used in mobile phones because they operate through wireless communications in a microwave band frequency. A shield in a mobile phone doesn’t just protect from signal interference, it also protects the user of the phone from being exposed to radiation emitted by the device itself. The shield absorbs this energy so that the harmful waves are not passed on to the user.
Quick links to Radiation Shielding Information
Applications of Radiation Shielding
If the shield is constructed using improper materials, it can actually make the radiation worse by amplifying the waves. Good shielding should effectively reduce the intensity of the radiation. As each slice of shielding material is added, it should exponentially diminish the effect of the radiation. There are several types of electromagnetic radiation; these include X-ray radiation and UV radiation. UV radiation is caused by exposure to the sun and is so common that it is sometimes considered in a different category. UV sunglasses would be an example of radiation shield in this instance, where the material used to build the lenses acts as a shield and decreases the intensity of the radiation for the person wearing the glasses. To protect against X-ray radiation, lead vests are used in the medical field. Because lead is so heavy and dense, just a few centimeters in thickness can absorb the waves sent out by an X-ray machine. This is why anyone present in the X-ray screening room is required to wear lead when a scan is being conducted.
Manufacturers who sell radiation shielding on an industrial scale are typically developing wearable lead products that will go on to be used in hospital and clinical settings. These products are also frequently used as protection from imaging tools used on a daily basis in dentistry. Other materials besides lead can be used in these applications, but they must be much thicker in order to be effective. Most industries where products that emit radiation are present are required by law or other regulatory standards to develop an effective protection strategy so that people are not exposed to these harmful electromagnetic waves.