Is lead salvaged from hospital x-ray shielding safe?

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    Lead Shielding X-ray
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the safety of using lead salvaged from hospital X-ray shielding for melting and casting bullets, particularly in the context of competitive shooting. Participants explore the implications of potential residual radiation and the general safety of such lead in this application.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • John expresses concern about the safety of using lead from hospital X-ray shielding for bullet casting, questioning whether it should be considered "hot."
  • Dave asserts that it is safe to use, claiming that X-rays do not leave any residual radiation and comparing them to light as a form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Another participant notes that while lead is still lead, the term "safe" is relative, emphasizing that X-rays do not make materials radioactive.
  • A participant warns against trusting offers of depleted uranium, suggesting caution in sourcing materials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the safety of using lead from hospital X-ray shielding. While some participants argue it is safe due to the nature of X-rays, others highlight the need for caution regarding the material itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the potential for other contaminants or the specific history of the lead, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

John Covert
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I am a lay person, so the physics lesson would only confuse me.

I do reloading of ammunition for competitive shooting (Cowboy Action Shooting).
I have someone offering to sell lead for melting and casting bullets. He has indicated its source was shielding from hospitals used in X-ray shielding applications. I do not believe it came from aprons, but rather from walls enclosing the X-ray rooms.

My question is, is it safe to use for this repurposing, or should it be considered "hot"?

Thanks in advance for any help.
John
 
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John Covert said:
My question is, is it safe to use for this repurposing, or should it be considered "hot"?

it's safe

X-rays don't leave any residual radiation emission

X-rays are just EM radiation like light ... just a higher frequency and more energeticDave
 
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Thank you, Dave.
 
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... But don't trust any offers of depleted Uranium ...
 
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Is lead salvaged from hospital x-ray shielding safe?

Well, it is still lead.

John Covert said:
melting and casting bullets

And they're still bullets. So "safe" is relative. But if you are asking is they are radiologically safe, x-rays don't make materials radioactive.
 
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