What type of materials are commonly used for temporary shielding?

Lead blankets are commonly used for temporary shielding in environments where radiation exposure is a concern. The primary reason for this is that lead has a high density and an effective atomic number that allows it to absorb and attenuate gamma radiation and X-rays very well. This property makes lead a preferred choice for protecting workers and the public from harmful radiation, especially in situations where more permanent structures are not feasible or where mobility of the shielding is advantageous.

Lead blankets can be easily maneuvered and positioned according to the radiation source's location and intensity, allowing for flexible responses to varying conditions. Additionally, they can conform to different shapes and surfaces, providing effective protection where rigid barriers might not fit.

In contrast, other materials like plastic sheets, wooden barriers, or glass panels may not offer adequate protection against the specific types of radiation encountered in many industrial or medical situations. For example, while plastic may provide some protection against low-energy beta radiation, it is not effective against higher-energy radiation like gamma rays. Similarly, wood can attenuate low-energy radiation but lacks the density required to shield against more penetrating radiation effectively. Glass panels do not serve as effective shielding for radiation due to their low density and inability to absorb significant radiation levels.