Is lead salvaged from hospital x-ray shielding safe?

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Lead salvaged from hospital X-ray shielding is considered safe for repurposing in ammunition casting, as X-rays do not leave residual radiation. The shielding material, typically found in walls, does not become radioactive from exposure to X-rays. However, it is important to remember that while the lead itself is not radiologically hazardous, it is still lead, which poses its own health risks. Caution is advised when handling and using lead in any form. Overall, the lead from X-ray shielding is deemed safe for use in bullet casting.
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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