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11 October 2008

Answer to Question #5014 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

We have designed several mammography rooms and stereotactic rooms within the past five years where standard 5/8"-thick gypsum wallboard on each side of a metal stud was deemed adequate for shielding protection. Are there new standards that might dictate additional shielding measures associated with mammography and stereotactic equipment?

There is new guidance available regarding shielding design for diagnostic x-ray facilities (NCRP 147). This guide indicates that what you describe in your question is usually adequate for shielding purposes. Since there are, however, other factors that may have to be evaluated (such as room size, location of unit, equipment used, voids in wallboard, material composition of doors, and use of mobile van units), it is still recommended that a qualified radiation expert be consulted for every installation. This may also be a requirement in your state.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

Reference
NCRP Report No. 147 "Structural Shielding Design for Medical X-Ray Imaging Facilities," National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements; 2004.

Answer posted on 29 November 2005. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.