- LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists
have created what is claimed to be the world's first radiation-proof fabric
which provides as much protection as a lead vest but at a fraction of the
weight.
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- Instead of heavy metals to block radiation and X-rays,
the new fabric called Demron is non toxic, lead-free and fused between
two layers of woven fabric.
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- "Demron's potential applications range from lightweight
full-body suits -- that would allow the wearer to move unencumbered in
high-radiation areas -- to protective tents and radiation-proof linings
for aircraft and spacecraft," New Scientist magazine said Wednesday.
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- Unlike traditional protective clothing that only protects
against alpha radiation, the new fabric developed by the Florida-based
company Radiation Shield Technologies also blocks beta and gamma rays.
All three are emitted by the decay of radioactive substances and X-rays.
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- The fabric was originally designed to protect medical
staff from X-ray radiation in operating rooms but its creators believe
it will also be useful in the nuclear industry.
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- But Janine Claber, of British Nuclear Fuels, said the
real test of how good the fabric is will depend on the level of protection
it offers and how it reacts when subjected to radiation.
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