Tweet
Published: 04 Feb 2025
Institution: Ateneo de Manila University
Country: Philippines
Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
This pyroclastic material—usually considered as waste—is rich in iron, enabling it to efficiently block X-rays and gamma rays.
Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and from National University-Mall of Asia Campus have found a surprising new use for the copious amounts of volcanic ash scattered across the Philippines: it can be used to shield against harmful radiation.
Radiation shielding is essential for hospitals, industrial sites, and nuclear facilities. These places use ionizing radiation for beneficial purposes such as in helping doctors treat sick organs and broken bones; looking for structural weaknesses in buildings; or helping sterilize food for longer shelf life. Though useful, exposure to ionizing radiation can be harmful for prolonged periods—hence the need for shielding. ...
