Beta particles, lead and X-rays
Lead isn't just toxic
Though lead would seem like a good way to shield yourself from beta particles this isn't always the case.
Animation showing how high energy beta particles can sometimes produce X-rays if they strike a lead screen.GCSE Maths exam soon?
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All beta sources, like strontium-90, emit betas with a range of energies but some sources have higher peak energies than others.
If a high energy beta interacts with an atom of a dense metal like lead then X-rays can be given off. This is called Bremsstrahlung or ‘braking radiation’. In fact X-ray machines work by accelerating electrons to high speeds before smashing them into a metal target.
X-rays are weakly ionizing but can pose a danger to you if you receive lots of doses.
So it’s better to shield high energy beta particles with a less dense material like Perspex to stop X-rays being produced. Remember these X-rays are only given off while the beta radiation is striking the lead. The lead does not become radioactive.