X-Ray Safety Advice for Non-Living Material Experiments: Tips & Techniques

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In summary: What you need to remember about x-rays is that they have a very specific energy range and will only be able to penetrate certain materials. Lead can stop x-rays, but it is not necessary for them to pass through the material in order to do so. For detecting x-rays you will need to have a device that can pick up low and high energy x-rays. A common type of device used for this is a Geiger counter. However, only 1% of x-rays are actually detectable by this method. There are other ways to detect x-rays as well, such as using phosphor coatings to shield materials from x-ray exposure. However
  • #1
compro21
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I am looking to do some experimentation with x-ray imaging of non-living materials, and need advice on how to do it safely.

My questions fall under two categories: 1) How do I ensure that the radiation does not come in contact with human flesh, and 2) How do I detect the radiation from the x-rays.

My setup: I have a directional x-ray emitter that outputs a low voltage x-ray onto an object which is captured on a screen behind it.

How do I keep people safe: Lead can stop x-rays, but how thick does the lead need to be for a given x-ray intensity? Are there charts relating x-ray wavelength intensity, and wavelength to lead absorption?

Lead poses another problem to human health. Are there other materials available that are dense enough to absorb x-rays, but are not poisonous to humans? I suppose that's one of the cache-22s of heavy metals.

What type of eye protection is needed? Should the eyes be treated any differently than other parts of the body? Do x-rays affect the retina differently than other human tissue?

How do you detect stray x-rays? I know Gieger counters can somewhat detect x-rays, but I hear only 1% of the rays.

I know I can get phosphoric coatings, but is there an easier way than painting a whole room?
 
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  • #2
compro21 said:
I am looking to do some experimentation with x-ray imaging of non-living materials, and need advice on how to do it safely.

My questions fall under two categories: 1) How do I ensure that the radiation does not come in contact with human flesh, and 2) How do I detect the radiation from the x-rays.

My setup: I have a directional x-ray emitter that outputs a low voltage x-ray onto an object which is captured on a screen behind it.

How do I keep people safe: Lead can stop x-rays, but how thick does the lead need to be for a given x-ray intensity? Are there charts relating x-ray wavelength intensity, and wavelength to lead absorption?

Lead poses another problem to human health. Are there other materials available that are dense enough to absorb x-rays, but are not poisonous to humans? I suppose that's one of the cache-22s of heavy metals.

What type of eye protection is needed? Should the eyes be treated any differently than other parts of the body? Do x-rays affect the retina differently than other human tissue?

How do you detect stray x-rays? I know Gieger counters can somewhat detect x-rays, but I hear only 1% of the rays.

I know I can get phosphoric coatings, but is there an easier way than painting a whole room?

Hello,

to your first question: absorbing or stopping x-rays is not only a question of their intensity, but also of the energy or energy spectrum of the incident rays!
soft x-rays (<20keV) are stopped sufficiently by a 2mm thick tungsten (W), however keep in mind the mechanism of absorption process of x-rays in a material; hard x-rays undergo a multiple process with the atoms, respectively the electrons and will be transferred to low energy x-rays at the output.

To detect x-rays also the energy range is important, as there a several types of detectors for low and high energy x-rays. Moreover you may chose between single counting devices (e.g. Geiger tube) or integrating devices as the CCD (charge coupled device).
Single Photon counting devices for the Soft X-ray region is our (Photron-X) core competence.

BRs,
SAXSIST
 
  • #3
compro21 said:
I am looking to do some experimentation with x-ray imaging of non-living materials, and need advice on how to do it safely.

My questions fall under two categories: 1) How do I ensure that the radiation does not come in contact with human flesh, and 2) How do I detect the radiation from the x-rays.

My setup: I have a directional x-ray emitter that outputs a low voltage x-ray onto an object which is captured on a screen behind it.

How do I keep people safe: Lead can stop x-rays, but how thick does the lead need to be for a given x-ray intensity? Are there charts relating x-ray wavelength intensity, and wavelength to lead absorption?

Lead poses another problem to human health. Are there other materials available that are dense enough to absorb x-rays, but are not poisonous to humans? I suppose that's one of the cache-22s of heavy metals.

What type of eye protection is needed? Should the eyes be treated any differently than other parts of the body? Do x-rays affect the retina differently than other human tissue?

How do you detect stray x-rays? I know Gieger counters can somewhat detect x-rays, but I hear only 1% of the rays.

I know I can get phosphoric coatings, but is there an easier way than painting a whole room?

First of all, under what circumstances are you doing this "... some experimentation with x-ray imaging... "? Are you doing this as part of your job, or are you simply tinkering on your own in the basement of your house?

If you are doing the former, I will be extremely shocked that the company/institution you are working for does not already have a set of safety protocol for you to follow. If you are doing the latter, STOP!

Zz.
 
  • #4
I'm with ZapperZ on this. It seems as if you are doing this as a home project of sorts. If so, then PLEASE reconsider. You WILL end up harming yourself or someone else. Radiation, even in small amounts, is not something you should work with unless you have sufficient professional training in the proper safety procedures AND the experience necessary to work on your own.
 
  • #5


I would like to provide some safety advice for your x-ray experiments with non-living materials.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the radiation does not come in contact with human flesh. This can be achieved by following proper safety protocols and using protective equipment such as lead aprons and gloves. It is also important to limit the exposure time and distance from the x-ray emitter to minimize any potential harm.

In terms of detecting the radiation from x-rays, there are several methods that can be used. One option is to use a dosimeter, which is a device that measures the amount of radiation an individual has been exposed to. Another option is to use a Geiger counter, which can detect x-rays but may not be as sensitive as other detectors. It is important to calibrate your detection equipment regularly to ensure accurate readings.

In terms of safety for your setup, lead is commonly used to shield against x-rays due to its high density. The thickness of the lead needed will depend on the x-ray intensity and wavelength, and there are charts available to help determine the appropriate thickness. However, as you mentioned, lead can also pose health risks. Other materials such as tungsten and bismuth can also be used as x-ray shielding, but it is important to research their toxicity and handle them safely.

Eye protection is also important when working with x-rays. The eyes can be particularly sensitive to radiation, so it is recommended to wear lead-lined goggles or glasses while working with x-rays. These should be specifically designed for x-ray use and checked regularly for any damage.

To detect stray x-rays, it is important to have a well-designed and properly shielded setup. However, as an extra precaution, you can also use a handheld survey meter to check for any potential radiation leaks. This can also be used to monitor the radiation levels during your experiment.

In summary, it is crucial to follow safety protocols and use proper protective equipment when working with x-rays. It is also important to regularly check and calibrate your equipment, and to be aware of potential hazards and how to minimize them. By taking these precautions, you can safely conduct your experiments with non-living materials using x-rays.
 

What are the potential risks associated with X-rays?

The main risk associated with X-rays is exposure to ionizing radiation, which can damage cells and tissues in the body and increase the risk of developing cancer. Other potential risks include burns, skin reactions, and damage to reproductive organs.

How can I protect myself from X-ray exposure?

To reduce your exposure to X-rays, it is important to limit the number of X-rays you receive and to use shielding such as lead aprons and collars. You can also ask your healthcare provider about alternative imaging methods that do not use ionizing radiation.

Is there a safe limit for X-ray exposure?

Yes, there is a recommended safe limit for X-ray exposure set by regulatory agencies. This limit takes into account the potential risks associated with X-rays and is typically measured in millisieverts (mSv) per year. For the general public, the recommended limit is 1 mSv per year, while for healthcare workers the recommended limit is 20 mSv per year.

Are X-rays safe for pregnant women?

X-rays have the potential to harm a developing fetus, so it is important for pregnant women to discuss the risks and benefits of receiving X-rays with their healthcare provider. In most cases, the benefits of the X-ray will outweigh the potential risks, but additional shielding may be used to protect the abdomen during the procedure.

Are there any long-term effects of X-ray exposure?

The long-term effects of X-ray exposure depend on the amount of radiation received and the frequency of exposure. In most cases, the body's natural repair mechanisms can repair any damage caused by low levels of X-ray exposure. However, repeated or high levels of exposure over time can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

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