FAQ

What is Radiation?

All material is composed of atoms. Atoms are comprised of various particles, which include the nucleus.

  • The nucleus contains particles called protons and neutrons, and the outer shell is made up of other particles called electrons.
  • The nucleus maintains a positive electrical charge, while the electrons have a negative electrical charge.
  • The forces within the nucleus work toward maintaining a stable balance between the positive charge of the protons and the negative charge of the electrons.
  • The process by which the nuclei of atoms work toward becoming stable is to get rid of excess energy.
  • Unstable nuclei may emit a quantity of energy, or they may emit a particle.
  • This emitted atomic energy and/or particle is what is commonly called radiation.

What kinds of Radiation are there?

There are two basic types of radiation: One type of radiation is tiny fast-moving particles that have both energy and mass, which is known as particle radiation. The other kind is pure energy with no weight. This radiation type is comprised of vibrating or pulsating waves of electrical and magnetic energy.

What is ionizing/non-ionizing radiation?

Ionization is the process of removing electrons from atoms, leaving behind two electrically charged particles (ions). Some forms of radiation like visible light, microwaves, or radio waves do not have sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms and hence referred to as non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation causes changes in living tissue.

What is radioactive decay?

When large atoms become unstable they emit radiation energy to become stable again. This process is called radioactive decay. This radiation can be emitted in the form of a positively charged alpha particle, a negatively charged Beta particle, or Gamma and X-rays.

How does radiation affect the human body?

The biological effects of radiation on living cells may result in three outcomes: Cells die and are removed thru normal biological processes Cells incorrectly repair themselves resulting in biophysical mutation and replication, creating free radicals which result in diseases such as cancer. In some instances, injured or damaged cells are able to repair themselves, resulting in little residual damage

How does Demron compare to lead?

Effectiveness: Demron provides comparable protection to lead against gamma rays, X-rays, and beta particles. It can significantly reduce high-energy gamma radiation (e.g., 26.7% reduction for Co-60 gamma rays with one layer) and high-energy beta radiation (91.6% reduction for Sr-90) Weight and Flexibility: Unlike heavy and rigid lead, Demron is lightweight, flexible, and comfortable for extended wear, making it suitable for various applications, including medical, industrial, and emergency response. Safety: Demron is non-toxic and lead-free, eliminating health risks associated with lead exposure

What industries currently use Demron for radiation protection?

Demron is utilized for radiation protection across several industries: -Military -Medical -Nuclear Power -Industrial -Research & Laboratories -Space Exploration Demron's versatility allows it to be used in various forms, including full-body suits, blankets, vests, and shields, making it adaptable to different industry needs.

How effective is Demron against different types of Radiation?

Demron is highly effective against various types of radiation. It significantly reduces high-energy alpha and beta radiation and provides substantial protection against low-energy gamma radiation, although it cannot completely block all gamma rays Tests have shown that one layer of Demron can reduce cobalt-60 gamma radiation by 26.7% and high-energy beta radiation by 91.6%. Its flexibility and lightweight design make it suitable for various applications, including medical, industrial, and emergency response settings.

Can Demron be used in conjunction with other protective materials?

Yes, Demron can be used in conjunction with other protective materials to enhance its capabilities. While Demron itself provides effective radiation shielding, it can be coupled with different protective materials to offer a more comprehensive defense against multiple threats. Specifically, Demron can be combined with materials that block chemical and biological threats. This allows for the creation of multi-hazard protective equipment that guards against radiological, chemical, and biological dangers simultaneously. For example, Radiation Shield Technologies offers the Demron C Suit, which incorporates Demron technology along with additional protective features. This suit provides certified antiviral protection (ASTM F1671) while maintaining Demron's radiation-shielding properties. It's designed to be impermeable to fluids yet breathable, making it suitable for healthcare workers and first responders facing various hazards.