New Fabric Touted as Radiation Proof (http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/11/13/radiation.suit.reut/index.html)

"Instead of heavy metals to block radiation and X-rays, the new fabric called Demron is non toxic, lead-free and fused between two layers of woven fabric."

"Unlike traditional protective clothing that only protects against alpha radiation, the new fabric developed by the Florida-based company Radiation Shield Technologies also blocks beta and gamma rays. All three are emitted by the decay of radioactive substances and X-rays."

I thought that Gamma radiation was the most dangerous, but since all three are blocked we're okay. Does this mean that we can have a radiation-free trip to the planets? I'd get one of these things if I could afford it, assuming I survive the oncoming nuclear holocaust. I'd have to wear it in case of the fallout smacking me in the face, since I live right under the jet stream.

Cool, I'll order me one as soon as Thor get's his picture posted. :D I'll get one for Avatar as well, unless he insists on using me as a human shield. :rolleyes:

(referring to The Picture Thread) :D

Most interesting, Pollux V. Does this now mean we are free to move about a shut down reactor?

I wonder if the manufacturing process allows for a room to be wall papered yet? This would allow protection for space travelers from solar emitted radition.

Welcome news in any event...

Any large spacecraft wil lprobably have armor to protect against debris. This will probably be enough for space, probably be the material of choice for an inner layer for NBC suits used in combat.

Actually Gifted, raditation in space is a problem and one that can sterlize you or worse. Solar flare up is a source within the system. Only because of atmosphere and magnetic feilds are we on earth protected. Not so in space.

The latest thoughts were that if we send a manned mission to Mars, that there will have to be a protected room. One that the crew could well spend days within during a solar storm. Lighter shielding material could well elimanate the necessity to spend this time within a crowded single room. If the weight were light enough if might be possible to wallpaper a room in a sandwich of materials or to do the whole interior of the manned section of a craft. Something that would be well to consider.

That is welcome news. Perhaps it will lead to less bulky space suits.

Radiation-proof is a misnomer.

The suit's material is sufficient to stop most charged particle radiation, yet it makes little reference to ability to stop photonic radiation (capability to do that is based wholly on density) or neutrons (need low Z materials).

It's a neat suit, but it wouldn't enable you to wander around inside a shut-down power reactor.

:cool: