How to build an X-Ray Room ?

Question

My brother was approached to re-build an X-ray room. The former contractor used 2 layer of brick walls. The leak comes from the door. Friend told my brother to use Barium Sulfate (sulphate).

How to use Barium Sulfate? Mix with cement and apply onto the wall? or, apply Barium sulfate directly to the wall? Is Barium sulfate dangerous and how to handle it?

N.B. I received an answer to this question But...cannot retrieve the answer !!. Please re-send to me the answer. Thanks.

Answer 1

2 layers of bricks?  Are you in a third world country?!  You have to abide to building codes.  Get a copy of the International Building Code any applicable state or local code books to be sure how to do this correctly.  For something as complex like an xray room, you really need to contact an architecture/engineering firm.

Answer 2

Facility construction and safety regulations vary according to the location of the building. Visit some local hospital or some other x-ray facility and get to know what they have to conform to be in business. Become knowledgeable about the requirements before making any commitments:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/bhs_ir...

http://www.ezem.com/msds/msds01.htm

Answer 3

Barium sulfate is not dangerous to humans, because it does not dissolve. It is X-ray opaque, so X-rays have a hard time penetrating it.

Mix the BaSO4 with the cement and apply it to the wall. Just handle it like you would handle any lab chemical. Safe enough to use, but harmful in large quantities, it's best to wear gloves and maybe a face mask if it generates a lot of dust.

It is not the best way to go, however. Get the proper guidelines for building an X-ray room and see what they say.