The Science of Radiation Shielding

An introduction to the science

of radiation shielding

Steven Johnston Ph.D.

AIA Chicago Healthcare Knowledge Community

23rd July 2013
Door
Linac head
Patient

Isocenter

Plan view of example direct-entry room

 Primary X-ray radiation

Strong photon radiation coming from the linac head,

through the patient towards a primary barrier
 Leakage radiation

Weak photon radiation coming from the linac head in all directions.
Treated as if coming from isocenter.
For high energy linacs there is also neutron leakage radiation.
 Patient scatter radiation

Weak photon radiation scattering from patient in all directions.

 Brachytherapy equipment

Patient

Door

Plan view of example brachytherapy room

Weak photon radiation coming in all directions from the patient during treatment.
•

•
 Beam-line Energy selection

Gantry Gantry Gantry

Fixed beam treatment Fixed beam
treatment treatment
room room room
room room

Patient Cyclotron

Plan view of an example multi-room proton center

The cyclotron and energy selection equipment are strong sources of high energy neutrons.
The beam-line, treatment room and patient are weak sources of neutrons.
The beam can only be directed into one treatment room at a time.
 Effective Photon Effective Neutron
Material Shield Shield

VeriShield V-250  

VeriShield V-300  

Concrete  

Steel 

Lead 

Borated polyethylene 

Earth  
 Concrete (147 lb/cf)
V-250 (250 lb/cf)
V-300 (300 lb/cf)
Protected Space Occupancy (T)
Perpetually occupied areas (e.g. offices), controlled areas 1
Treatment/exam rooms 1/2
Corridors, staff rooms, lounges 1/5
Vault doors 1/8
Unattended waiting rooms, restrooms, storage, mechanical 1/20
Low-occupancy outdoor areas, rooftops 1/40
 Section
Ceiling

Earth

Turndown

Plan

Door
Wall Wall

Section

Ceiling
Duct

Wall
Duct shielding
Design Consi
 Direct-Entry Maze-entry
Pro Con Pro Con

Faster access to Patient anxiety with Thinner door Takes up a lot of

inside the room thick door required space

Has smallest room Time spent walking

footprint down the maze
 Lead
Borated Polyethylene
Lead

Modular block
 www.veritas-medicalsolutions.com
Advancing the Science of Radiation Shielding