Reciclagem de aventais plumbíferos para reutilização em proteção radiológica

Abstract

The growing environmental concern and the pursuit of sustainable solutions in healthcare have encouraged the reuse of hazardous materials, such as worn-out lead aprons. This study investigated the feasibility of recycling lead-rubber sheets— commonly used in radiological personal protective equipment (PPE)—for the fabrication of new radiation shielding materials. The worn lead-rubber was macerated and ground to produce plates and a cylindrical tube, using polyester resin, recycled lead-rubber, and, in some compositions, barium sulfate. The attenuation capacity of the produced materials was assessed through digital radiography (DR) imaging, using an X-ray tube and an ionization chamber to measure the transmitted dose. The results showed that the plates containing recycled lead-rubber demonstrated significant radiation attenuation, supporting the potential for material reuse. However, the uneven distribution of lead particles affected the uniformity of the shielding, indicating the need for process improvements in material grinding and homogenization. Nevertheless, this study highlights a sustainable alternative to the improper disposal of hazardous waste, contributing to environmental impact reduction in the radiological field.