Review and Performance Comparison of Lead-Free Shields and Lead Shields, In Terms of Biological Effects in Nuclear Medicine by the Comet Method

Introduction: Ionizing radiation can cause damage to biologically important DNA molecules. Radiation in nuclear medicine radiation exposes people working in from two main positions; administer in gradiopharmaceuticals (the barn and squeezing a generator, procurement, distribution and drug infusion) and patients that receive radiation treatment (patients that are prescribed a radiopharmaceutical). Use of lead aprons is disputed practice in radiation treatment due to the creation of special lead X-rays of high-energy gamma ray collisions and the high absorption coefficient of such radiations in the body. Correct use of personal protective equipment, such as uniforms and flexible protection, and compliance with radiation protection can greatly reduce damage. Flexible lead shields are usually made from materials such as rubber; polymers or elastomers (polymers that are elastic) are used as the basis for fine lead particles. The problems with lead shields have led to recent discussion of the use of lead-free shields. If the biological effects caused by lead-free shields give less than two states with and without a lead shield, the shield that is lighter, weaker and that doesn’t cause environmental pollution, can be used in place of lead. Materials and Methods: To review and achieve the above objective, blood samples were taken from non-radiation operatives and poured in heparin tubes, and then placed in the considered distance of time and place; after radiation, they were exposed to gamma radiation resulting from technetium, comet assay will be performed on them. Results: density was super less dense compared to the lead and was about one-tenth of the density of lead (1.23). DNA damage in both groups (with and without a lead shield) is greater when compared with the control group. Conclusion: By using two-way analysis of variance, the time variable was significantly effective in increasing the damage. In addition, the type of shield variable (lead or lead-free) and meaningful distance have not shown.