One-millimeter resin sheet helps to block radiation

An Osaka-based corrugated cardboard manufacturer has developed what it says are resin sheets that can be used as radiation shields.

The sheets, co-developed by Rengo Co. and one of its subsidiaries, is both light and flexible. Heavy plates of lead and other metals are customarily used as radiation shields.

A 1-millimeter-thick sheet can reduce gamma ray radiation levels by 3 percent, and stacking multiple sheets can enhance protection, company officials said.

Rengo hopes the sheets will be used as construction material for walls and floors and as storage covers for radioactive waste and contaminated soil.