INNOVATIVE RADIATION SHIELDING: PERFORMANCE OF LOCALLY MADE BaSO4 -COATED BUILDING BLOCKS FROM FCT, ABUJA AS LOW COST EFFECTIVE RADIATION BARRIERS

This study explores the innovative use of locally made blocks from four area councils (Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali) within the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, coated with Barium Sulfate paint, as an effective shielding material against radiation. Soil samples were collected from each area, and blocks measuring 10 cm x 10 cm with varying thicknesses of 1-4 cm were molded. These coated blocks were exposed to low-energy X-rays at 100 kV and 10 mAs, and radiation doses passing through them were measured using a Raysafe Thin-X dose meter, including the free air exposure without any block. One uncoated block from Abuja Municipal area was also exposed to compare the effectiveness of barium sulfate. The Linear Attenuation Coefficients and Half-Value Layers for the blocks from each council area were determined. The block sample derived from soil collected in the Abuja Municipal Area and coated with Barium Sulfate exhibited the highest linear attenuation coefficient of 1.114 cm⁻¹ and the lowest half-value layer of 6.22 mm. In contrast, an uncoated block from the same soil showed 0.702 cm^-1 and 9.87 mm as the linear attenuation coefficient and the half-value layer respectively. Blocks from the Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils showed linear attenuation coefficients of 1.027, 0.900, and 0.968 cm⁻¹ and half-value layers of 6.75, 7.70, and 7.16 mm, respectively. These values were compared with the half-value layers of concrete and lead. From the findings, Barium Sulfate coated blocks were found to be the most effective and cost-efficient alternative for radiation shielding.