Well-Seasoned on All Forms Of Radiation Shielding

Laminated Lead Lined Plywood

Lead lined plywood is constructed of standard or fire-retardant plywood that is laminated with sheet lead to provide shielding from the harmful effects of radiation. The high density of lead makes it extremely effective at absorbing and scattering x-rays, gamma rays and other forms of radiation. It is also highly resistant to environmental and chemical corrosion and is easily bent and shaped.

There are numerous medical, laboratory and industrial applications for lead shielding for radiation including:

View the CAD Drawings for a more detailed information about lead plasterboard and other radiation shielding products. Or, view our featured projects.   If you have additional questions about lead shielding for radiation, request a quote or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Lead Lined Plywood for Effective Radiation Shielding

Lead lined plywood can be mounted directly onto metal studs and secured with drywall screws. Due to the heaviness of lead lined plywood, the use of additional fasteners and support will be required for ceiling installations.Lead lined plywood from Radiation Protection Products is lined with sheet lead that exceeds or meets the Federal Specification QQL-201 F Grade C and ASTM B749-03 Standard Specification for Lead and Lead Alloy Strip, Sheet and Plate Products. All our lead lined plywood products are available with the same lead requirements and applications as our lead lined drywall and is offered in standard weights ranging from 1lb. per square foot to 60lbs. per square foot.

lead lined gypsum board

Just like lead lined drywall, you must account for the shielding of all penetrations, seams and cut outs in the lead lined plywood. If the lead lined plasterboard is cut to the on-center stud dimensions, lead angles of the same lead thickness and height will shield all the joints and fastener penetrations. The cut outs, which can include receptacles, light switches, etc., will also need to have shielding behind them to ensure total protection. Learn more about shielding for cut-outs and penetrations.

Need assistance with installing your lead lined drywall? We can do the lead shielding installation for you! 

Lead Lined Plywood for Heavy Shielding Applications  

Lead lined plywood is typically recommended with heavier lead shielding requirements, usually when the lead shielding exceeds 1/8” thick.  Since lead lined plywood at these thicknesses becomes very heavy to handle in full sheet form (4’ x 8’), we recommend having us cut the lead lined plywood into widths that equal your on-center stud dimensions (e.g. 12” or 16”).  This will make the lead lined plywood much more manageable for the installer.

For example:

  • 1 sheet of 3/4” x 4’x8’ plywood with 1/4” lead lining to 7’ weighs approximately 505 lbs.
  • 1 sheet of 3/4”x16”x8’ plywood with 1/4” lead lining to 7’ weighs approximately 168 lbs.

There are several considerations for determining the correct thickness for your lead plywood, including the configuration of the room, type of equipment, frequency of use and distance between the equipment and your staff or patients. State or federal regulations may also apply, depending on your application.

Lead lined plywood diagram

Fire-Rated Lead Lined Plywood for Superior Protection

Many types of lead lined plywood are available upon request. We can readily offer 5/8” and 3/4” thick fire treated plywood meeting or exceeding the following specifications:

  • ASTM D5516 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Flexural Properties of Fire-Retardant Treated Soft Plywood Exposed to Elevated Temperatures: This testing is conducted on fire-retardant lead lined plywood to determine the effects of high temperatures (up to 170°F) and humidity on the material properties.
  • ASTM D5564 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Total Ammonia Contained in Sulfonated or Sulfated Oils: Addresses health and safety standards by evaluating the amount of ammonia present in sulfonated and sulfated oils used in lead lined plasterboard.
  • ASTM E-84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials: Provides comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density under specific fire exposure conditions.

We also offer CDX, Pyro-Guard, HI- ABUSE® & HI-IMPACT® FIRE-SHIELD WALLBOARD, best used with our lead angles for superior protection from radiation leakage. Read our FAQ for more answers.

Request a Quote for Lead Lined Plywood

Contact Radiation Products to learn more about lead shielding for radiation or request a quote lead lined plasterboard.