Medical Radiation Shielding Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Medical Radiation Shielding Market is segmented By Product Type (Wearable Products, Shielding Products) By Material Type (Lead-Based, Lead Free, Lead Composite) By Application (Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Nuclear Medicine) By End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Oncology Centers, Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Market Overview

The global medical radiation shielding market reached US$ YY million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ YY million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of YY% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Medical radiation shielding refers to using protective barriers against the source of radiation. Radiation safety is crucial in various medical departments, with fluoroscopic procedures. In the medical industry, radiation is mostly used for diagnostic purposes and to some extent for therapy, especially in cancer patients. Although the radiation concentrates on the patients, the physicians are always at risk of exposure. Prolonged radiation exposure may cause biological effects like damage to the DNA and may increase the risk of cancer development. 

The radiation intensity and dose used in medical settings are less harmful than the ones used in other industries. Although it poses no threat upon short exposures, it is essential to have personal protection to prevent any future complications. A patient or a physician can get protection by using personal protective equipment made up of radiation-absorbing materials. The most commonly used PPEs are vests, aprons, or suits made of lead or lead composite materials. With the growing emphasis on radiation in the medical industry, the market for radiation shielding equipment is expected to rise. 

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics: Drivers

Rising emphasis on radiation in the medical industry

Right from the discovery of radiation applicability in the medical industry, it has become a major modality for medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Several diagnostic modalities such as X-ray, MRI, and CT are based on radiation, and several therapeutic modalities, especially for cancer treatment such as proton beam therapy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, etc are based on radiation. Moreover, drugs called radiopharmaceuticals have attained a crucial role in medical imaging and therapy. With the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, and aging population, the medical diagnostics volume is rising, and concurrently the number of hospitals and diagnostic centers that offer them.  

For instance, according to Global Cancer Observatory statistics, in 2022, there were approximately 20 million newly diagnosed cancers with 5-year prevalent cases of 53.5 million. In 2030, the incidence of cancer is expected to reach 24.1 million, and in 2040 approximately reaching to 30 million cases. This creates a huge demand for medical imaging and radiotherapy services.

Moreover, access to medical imaging and radiotherapy is far less in low-middle-income countries, where the demand is huge. According to a statement made by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2023, fewer than 60% of the patients in these areas have access to radiotherapy. In lieu of this, with the advancements in the medical industry and rising healthcare expenditure and investments, the reach of radiology-related services in the low-middle-income countries where the majority of the population lives is rising. This is expected to create an opportunity for medical radiation shielding products in the untapped areas.

For instance, on March 13, 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that it is taking up an initiative in collaboration with the Radiological Society of North America to increase the capacity of radiology services across low-middle income countries. This initiative aims to build radiation imaging facilities in countries that lack them for proper cancer care.

As the emphasis on radiation in the medical industry is growing, the demand for shielding equipment that protects the patient and physician from the harmful effects of radiation is also expected to rise, creating an avenue for market growth. Moreover, the rising focus on occupational safety and rising investment in the healthcare industry are the factors that are expected to drive market growth.

Restraints

The high cost of radiation-shielding equipment may act as a barrier for small clinics and diagnostic centers with limited budgets. Moreover, the availability of alternative imaging modalities that emit non-ionizing radiation such as MRI and ultrasound which is nearly not harmful as X-rays may limit the use of shielding material. These are the major factors that are expected to restrain the market growth. 

Segment Analysis

The global medical radiation shielding market is segmented based on product type, material type, application, end-user and region.

The lead-based in the material type segment accounted for approximately 68.5% of the global medical radiation shielding market share

Lead is a widely used and effective shielding material due to its high atomic number and electron density, making it ideal for medical radiation environments. It is cheap, easy to process, and can be mixed with other materials for construction or shielding. Although, in recent times,  the importance is being given to non-lead materials, lead is still dominating the industry due to its versatile nature. 

For instance, in July 2023, a study published in Elsevier Journal which measured the protective efficacy of different radiation shielding materials revealed that the efficacy of lead aprons in shielding from radiation is higher as compared to lead-free and lead composite aprons. 

Moreover, many manufacturers are producing shielding equipment that is based on lead material. For instance, a major player in the market, MarShield has a huge portfolio of shielding products completely made of lead material. Likewise, Nelco, Inc. offers many lead-based shielding doors, curtains, sheets, panels, etc for use in the medical setting. Amray Group, a major player in providing personal protective shields, has a portfolio completely based on lead material.

Geographical Analysis 

North America is expected to dominate the market with 44.3% share in the global medical radiation shielding market

North America dominates the global medical radiation shielding market due to its well-equipped healthcare and diagnostic facilities. Moreover, the region comprises the countries the U.S. and Canada which invest hugely in the healthcare industry. Many hospitals spend and invest in advancing their facility with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure. 

For instance, on October 4, 2023, an article published by The Commonwealth Fund stated that the U.S. spends twice on healthcare per person than any other high-income country in the world. One of the major factors driving the expenditure is investment in medical equipment and machinery and the high cost associated with the continuous modernization of healthcare facilities.

Moreover, the region has stringent regulatory standards concerning radiation safety in the healthcare setting. This enables all the facilities across the region to follow strict protective measures against radiation. For example, several agencies in the U.S. like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists provide educational support to radiologists on the safe practices around radiation sources. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set standards for employers to protect workers from exposure to ionizing radiation sources such as X-ray equipment and some accelerators. 

Competitive Landscape

The major players in the medical radiation shielding market include RADIATION SHIELD TECHNOLOGIES, Barrier Technologies., Marswell Group of Companies, Esco Micro Pte. Ltd., NELCO, Radiation Protection Products, Inc., Gaven Industries Inc., Amray Group, A&L Shielding. and Ultraray among others. 

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The global market for medical radiation shielding was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The referral of new patients to radiotherapy has been significantly impacted due to the pandemic severity, which has led to decreased emphasis on radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services. Moreover, with healthcare facilities diverting their resources and investments to COVID-related care, the investment in new equipment has declined including the protective shields against the radiation. 

For instance, on October 1, 2022, an article published in Elsevier stated that the first wave of the pandemic had greatly affected the radiology departments. Most of the radiologists were focused on creating a safe method of medical imaging using personal protective equipment. The shortage has created pressureful environments and prolonged working hours. Most of the radiology procedures have seen a decline during the pandemic period.

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• To visualize the global medical radiation shielding market segmentation based on product type, material type, application, end user, and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
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The global medical radiation shielding market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 62 figures, and 187 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies