DK181684B1

DK181684B1 - Radiation Shielding Vest

Info

Publication number: DK181684B1
Application number: DKPA202300081A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Nasser Awada Hussein
Original assignee: Quartz Capital Aps
Priority date: 2023-01-30
Filing date: 2023-01-30
Publication date: 2024-09-20
Also published as: DK202300081A1

Abstract

A radiation shielding garment or smart vest (100) is disclosed. The smart vest (100) comprises a plurality of radiation protection layer (122), and a base layer (124). The radiation protection layers (122) are arranged over the base layer (124). Each radiation protection layer (122) is arranged to at least partially overlap the adjacent radiation protection layer (122). The base layer (124) is proximal to the skin surface of the user and the radiation protection layer (122) is proximal to the environment of the user. In one embodiment, the radiation protection layer (122) comprises a bulletproof fabric or material layer (106), an aluminum layer (110) proximal to the bulletproof fabric or material layer (106), a borated polyethylene layer (112) adjacent to the aluminum layer (110), and a tungsten alloy layer (114) adjacent to the borated polyethylene layer (112) and away from the bulletproof fabric or material layer (106). In another embodiment, the radiation protection layer comprises the above but without the bulletproof fabric or material layer.

Description

DK 181684 B1 1

RADIATION SHIELDING VEST

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein generally relates to an article to provide protection against radiation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a smart vest or a radiation shielding garment.

BACKGROUND

Protective clothing, such as radiation resistant clothing, is necessary for people exposed to hazardous radiation. For example, medical, veterinary, or research personnel are involved in operating devices that emits radiation. These personnel are exposed to scattered radiation as they perform their work. The living tissue exposed to prolonged radiation or exposure to high intensity radiation are susceptible to damage and causes adverse health effects to the personnel.

Generally, garments facilitated to shield from radiation are used for protecting the bodies of personnel from radiation. The garment includes metal fibers for reflecting radiation away from a body of a person. However, some radiation can still reach the body via sleeves and neckline, etc., When the radiation reaches into a space between the body and the clothing, it will be reflected to the body by the metal fibers of the clothing, such that the body may still absorb significant radiation.

Further, such existing garments are heavy which gives a feeling of bodily discomfort to the personnel and restricts movement of the personnel. Thus, these garments cause a deterioration in workability.

A prior art, US 2005/0211930 Al of Demeo Ronald et al., discloses a radiation shielding garment such as a vest comprising, a first layer comprising a bulletproof fabric layer disposed within a first outer layer. Further, a second layer disposed within the first

DK 181684 B1 2 outer layer wherein the second layer may be a radiation protecting layer, wherein the second layer encloses a polymeric material such as polyethylene and radiopaque material such as tungsten. However, above-mentioned prior art fails to disclose an improved radiation protection layer that consists of a second layer comprising an aluminum layer as well as a borated polyethylene layer and that the borated polyethylene layer is disposed between the tungsten alloy layer and the aluminum layer.

Therefore, there is a need for a garment that could absorb a significant proportion of radiation, while allowing a user to move freely and comfortably in the radiation — environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A radiation shielding garment, hereafter mentioned as a smart vest or radiation shielding vest, is disclosed. The smart vest comprises a first layer, a second layer disposed within the first layer, a third layer disposed adjacent to the first layer and a fourth layer disposed adjacent to the third layer. The first layer comprises a first outer layer and a bulletproof fabric or material layer disposed within the first outer layer. The second layer is disposed within the first outer layer. The second layer comprises a second — outer layer. The second outer layer encloses a tungsten alloy layer, an aluminum layer and a borated polyethylene layer disposed between the tungsten alloy layer and the aluminum layer. The second outer layer is disposed between the bulletproof fabric or material and the first outer layer. The third layer is disposed adjacent to the first outer layer and proximal to the second outer layer. The third layer comprises a foam fabric. — The fourth layer comprises a breathable, mesh type fabric. The first outer layer and the second outer layer comprises at least one of military grade fabric and Nomex (meta- aramid material). In one embodiment, the smart vest further comprises a durable polyester layer adjacent to the third layer and the first layer.

The aluminum layer is proximal to the bulletproof fabric or material layer, the borated polyethylene layer is adjacent to the aluminum layer, and the tungsten alloy layer

DK 181684 B1 3 is adjacent to the borated polyethylene layer and away from the bulletproof fabric or material layer. In one embodiment, the fourth layer is configured to be proximal to the wearer, the first layer is configured to be proximal to an environment of the wearer, and the third layer is disposed between the fourth layer and the first layer.

In one embodiment, the radiation shielding garment is a vest or a smart vest. The first layer and the second layer define a radiation protection layer. In another embodiment, the second layer alone define the radiation protection layer. The third layer and the fourth layer define a base layer. The smart vest comprises a plurality of radiation protection layer arranged over the base layer. Each radiation protection layer is arranged to at least partially overlap the adjacent radiation protection layer.

The first outer layer is formed as a pocket to receive the bulletproof fabric or material layer and the second layer therein. The second outer layer is formed as a pocket to receive the radiation protection layer therein. The base layer is proximal to a skin surface of the user and the radiation protection layer is proximal to the environment of the user.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

DK 181684 B1 4

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing a smart vest or radiation protection garment or radiation shielding vest, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the user wearing the smart vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the user wearing the smart vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of different layers of the smart vest of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of radiation protection layer of the smart vest of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of radiation protection layer of the smart vest of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a connector arrangement of the smart vest of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest and the conventional protection article, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DK 181684 B1

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest and the conventional protection article, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DK 181684 B1 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing a radiation protection garment or smart vest or radiation shielding vest 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the user wearing the radiation protection garment or smart vest 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the user wearing the smart vest 100 of FIG. 1. The smart vest 100 comprises a plurality of radiation protection layer 122 and a base layer 124. The radiation protection layers 122 are arranged over the base layer 124. In an embodiment, the radiation protection layer 122 is sewn over the base layer 124. The base layer 124 is proximal to a skin surface of the user and the radiation protection layer 122 is proximal to the environment of the user.

The radiation protection layer 122 is configured to attenuate the radiation that reaches the user and the base layer 124 provides comfort to the user. Each radiation protection layer 122 is arranged to at least partially overlap the adjacent radiation protection layer 122. Thereby, the present invention ensures flexibility and a higher degree of protection when bending forward or backward due to the sliding of the radiation protection layers 122 onto each other. The smart vest 100 is configured to protect the human body by absorbing the energy of the discharged radiation particles in the smart vest's 100 materials before they reach the human body. This results in a higher threshold for staying in areas with radioactivity, and provides higher survival rate to the user.

In one embodiment, the smart vest 100 is a vest or a smart vest. The smart vest 100 further comprises one or more fastener assemblies 130 to secure the smart vest 100 over the user. In one embodiment, the fastener assembly 130 includes at least one female connector configured to receive at least one male connector therein. In one embodiment, one or more fastener assemblies 130 are disposed at a shoulder region of the smart vest 100 and one or more fastener assemblies 130 are disposed along a waist region of the smart vest 100.

DK 181684 B1 7

In addition to the solution of protecting against radioactive radiation by the smart vest 100, smart vest 100 consists of an integrated dosimeter system 123 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Integrated dosimeter system 123 is a device that measures dose uptake of external ionizing radiation. The dosimeter system 123 consists of two dosimeters: one dosimeter 123a on the outside of the vest 100 and one dosimeter 123b on the inside of the vest proximal to the radiation protection layer 122. The first dosimeter 123a is connected to the main board with readable display, the location of the first dosimeter 123a are at a place where the wearer or user easily can read off the display on the anterior side of the smart vest 100. The wearer or user of this smart vest 100 could know: how large a radiation dose rate there is in the surroundings, how large a radiation dose rate has made it through the vest, how much is the total accumulated dose in the surroundings and how much is the total accumulated dose that has made it through the vest. The wearer or user of this smart vest 100 could set the threshold for dose rate and total accumulated dose that has made it through the vest to see how long one has left in the current radioactive environment before certain predefined thresholds are reached resulting in visual and audible alarms. The integrated dosimeter system 123 is, in one embodiment incorporated in the vest 100 itself, in other words, the vest 100 and the dosimeter system 123 are inseparable. In another embodiment, the vest and the dosimeter system are separable.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of different layers of the smart vest 100 of FIG. 1. The smart vest 100 comprises at least four layers including a first layer 102, a second layer 108, a third layer 118 and a fourth layer 120. In one embodiment, the — first layer 102 and the second layer 108 together define the radiation protection layer 122.

In another embodiment, the second layer alone define the radiation protection layer. The third layer 118 and the fourth layer 120 together define the base layer 124. The radiation protection layer 122 is disposed over the base layer 124.

The first layer 102 comprises a first outer layer 104 and a bulletproof fabric or material layer 106, typically consisting of Kevlar (para-aramid material) fabric, high-

DK 181684 B1 8 density polyethylene (HDPE) sole or combined with other material, or other material intended for bulletproof qualities, disposed within the first outer layer 104. The bulletproof fabric layer 106 is configured to enhance the bulletproof properties of the smart vest 100. The second layer 108 is disposed within the first outer layer 104. The second layer 108 is arranged so that the second layer 108 lies between the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106 and first outer layer 104.

The second layer 108 comprises a second outer layer 116. In one embodiment, the second outer layer 116 encloses a tungsten alloy layer 114, an aluminum layer 110, and a borated polyethylene layer 112. In another embodiment, the second outer layer 116 encloses a metal alloy intended for gamma radiation absorption (tungsten alloy layer) 114, another material layer intended for neutron absorption (borated polyethylene layer) 112 and a sole or combined metal material with multiple properties, primarily intended to absorb gamma radiation (aluminum layer) 110. The tungsten alloy layer 114 is configured to absorb gamma radiation, and the borated polyethylene layer 112 is configured to absorb neutrons. The aluminum layer 110 is configured to absorb beta radiation. The aluminum layer 110 is configured to scatter beta radiation. The aluminum layer 110 is arranged proximal to the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106, the borated polyethylene layer 112 is arranged adjacent to the aluminum layer 110, and the tungsten alloy layer 114 is arranged adjacent to the borated polyethylene layer 112.

In one embodiment, the first outer layer 104 and the second outer layer 116 are made of durable and wear resistant military grade fabric. The military-grade fabric is a high-grade fabric used in military settings that is wear-resistant, soil resistant, fire- resistant and water-resistant. In one embodiment, the first outer layer 104 is formed as a pocket to receive the second outer layer 116 or second layer 108 therein. In one embodiment, the second outer layer 116 is formed as a pocket to receive the tungsten alloy layer 114, the aluminum layer 110, and the borated polyethylene layer 112 therein.

In another embodiment, the aluminum layer 110 and the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106 are inseparable, such as in the use of a combined material such as HDPE, making the bulletproof layer 106 inseparable from the radiation protection layer 122.

DK 181684 B1 9

In another embodiment, the first outer layer 104 and the second outer layer 116 are made of Nomex (meta-aramid material). In yet another embodiment, the first outer layer 104 and the second outer layer 116 are made of high-grade water and soil proof fabric.

The first layer 102 is arranged over the third layer 118. In other words, the third layer 118 is arranged adjacent to the first layer 102 and proximal to the second outer layer 116. In one embodiment, the third layer 118 is a foam fabric. In another embodiment, the third layer 118 comprises Nomex (meta-aramid material). The third layer 118 is adapted to distribute the weight of the smart vest 100. Further, the third layer 118 is configured to alleviate the weight of the smart vest 100 on contact points with the shoulders and the torso of the user while ensuring optimal weight distribution of the smart vest 100.

Further, the fourth layer 120 is arranged adjacent to the third layer 118. In one embodiment, the fourth layer 120 is a breathable mesh. The breathable mesh is configured to increase comfort by decreasing humidity under the smart vest 100. In one embodiment, the radiation shielding garment or smart vest 100 further comprises a durable polyester or other similar fabric layer 126 adjacent to the third layer 118 and the first layer 102.

In one embodiment, a method of forming a fabric of the smart vest 100 is disclosed. Initially, the second layer 108 comprising the tungsten alloy layer 114, the borated polyethylene layer 112 and the aluminum layer 110 are arranged such that the polyethylene layer 112 is positioned between the tungsten alloy layer 114 and the borated polyethylene layer 112. In one embodiment, the tungsten alloy layer 114, the borated polyethylene layer 112 and the aluminum layer 110 are attached to one another by a bonding process with chemical substances to secure alignment. In another embodiment they are attached to each other by a covering process of either physical or chemical process intended on packaging the defined radioactive protective layer in aligned positions. Yet, in another embodiment they are aligned manually without any further

DK 181684 B1 10 assistance besides the sewing. Further, the tungsten alloy layer 114, the borated polyethylene layer 112 and the aluminum layer 110 are sewn to the second outer layer 116. The second outer layer 116 encloses the tungsten alloy layer 114, the borated polyethylene layer 112 and the aluminum layer 110. In one embodiment, the second outer layer 116 is a preformed pocket made of durable and wear-resistant fabric.

The tungsten alloy layer 114, the borated polyethylene layer 112 and the aluminum layer 110 together form a radiation protection composite, or the radiation protection layer 122. The first layer 102 further comprises the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106 sewn to the first outer layer 104. The second outer layer 116 is disposed within the first outer layer 104. The second outer layer 116 is sewn to the first outer layer 104 in such a way the second layer 108 is positioned between the first outer layer 104 and the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106. Thereafter, the third layer 118 and the fourth layer 120 are sewn to the first layer 102 at a side opposite to the bulletproof fabric or material layer 106. The foam fabric of the third layer 118 and the breathable mesh of the fourth layer 120 are configured to alleviate and distribute the weight of the smart vest 100.

On wearing the smart vest 100, the first layer 102 is proximal to the environment of the user, and the fourth layer 120 is proximal to the skin surface of the user, or adjacent to the normal cloth on the skin surface of the user. The third layer 118 lies between the first layer 102 and the fourth layer 120. The second layer 108 is disposed within the first layer 102. The second layer 108 comprising the aluminum layer 110 is proximal to the environment, the tungsten alloy layer 114 is proximal to the user, and the polyethylene layer 112 is disposed between the aluminum layer 110 and the tungsten alloy layer 114.

The tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of about or up to 95% and other metals of about or up to 5%. In another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of about or up to 99% and other metals of about or up to 1%. In another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of up 90% and other

DK 181684 B1 11 metals of up 10%. Yet, in another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of up to 85% and other metals of up to 15%. Yet, in another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of about 80% and other metals of about 20%.

Yet, in another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of about 75% and other metals of about 25%. Yet, in another embodiment the tungsten alloy layer 114 comprises tungsten of up to 70% and other metals of up to 30%. The metals are alloyed to have a higher grade of stability and strength. The tungsten alloy layer 114 protects the user against gamma radiation by attenuating the energy of gamma rays emitted from radiation sources. The tungsten alloy layer 114 is further configured to protect the user against the gamma rays produced from scattering of the beta rays when interacting with the aluminum layer 110. The beta rays that are transmitted through the aluminum layer 110 scatters and produce gamma rays. The tungsten alloy layer 114 is arranged behind the aluminum layer 110 and the polyethylene layer 112 to ensure the beta rays transmitted through the aluminum layer 110 that scatter and give rise to derived gamma rays are also stopped by the tungsten alloy layer 114.

The borated polyethylene layer 112 is configured to ensure optimal attenuation of emitted neutron particles. The aluminum layer 110 is configured to attenuate beta particles. The bulletproof fabric or material layer 106 provides bullet-resistant property to — the smart vest 100.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of radiation protection layer 122 of the radiation protection smart vest 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates an arrangement of radiation protection layer 122 of the smart vest 100 of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present invention. A square grid 132 represents the position over which the radiation protection layers 122 are arranged. In another embodiment, the square grids consist of smaller sizes of radiation protection layers 122 that are fixed together by a packaging or covering process ensuring alignment of the smaller sizes giving rise to fill up the entire square grid of 122. FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a connector arrangement 128 of the smart vest 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector

DK 181684 B1 12 arrangement 128 secures the radiation protection layers 122 and the smart vest 100 in place over the user.

FIG. 8 is a graph 800 showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest 100 and a conventional protection article, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graph 900 showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest 100 and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graph 1000 showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest 100 and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a graph 1100 showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest 100 and the conventional protection article, according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a graph 1200 showing a comparison of protection against radiation provided by the smart vest 100 and the conventional protection article, and exposure to radiation without any protection article, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Experiments:

The radiation attenuation percentage of the smart vest 100 for an incident direct radiation beam was simulated. Example 1 to Example 5 illustrates the attenuation percentage for the incident radiation beam for different thickness of the materials included. It is assumed that 1/3 of all incoming particles are in a parallel plane with 0 angle degrees, and 1/3 are incoming in a semi-oblique angle while the remaining particles are incoming at an oblique angle. The simulations are proven to yield the same results as experimentally tested at Lunds University / Malm Sjukhus, Sweden.

DK 181684 B1 13

Example 1:

Attenuation for heavy thickness [Alu (aluminum), BPE (borated polyethylene), W (tungsten)] against Cs-137 = ~44,60%

Angle of incoming Attenuation percentage: Total protection: particle: 1/3 parallel (0°) Alu (aluminum) = 3,11%, BPE (borated 32,63% polyethylene) = 4,75%, W (tungsten) = 27% 1/3 semi-oblique (40°) | Alu=4,37%, BPE = 6,47%, W = 35,92% | 42,70% 1/3 oblique (63°) Alu = 6,81%, BPE = 10,03%, W = 58,49% 50,49%

Example 2:

Attenuation for moderate thickness [Alu, BPE, W] against Cs-137 = ~34,44%

Angle of incoming Attenuation percentage: Total protection: particle: 1/3 parallel (0°) Alu= 2,08%, BPE = 4,75%, W = 18,96% 24.4% 1/3 semi-oblique (40°) | Alu =2,93%, BPE = 6,47%, W = 25,72% 32,56% 1/3 oblique (63°) Alu = 4,6%, BPE = 10,03%, W = 37,51% 46,37%

Example 3:

Attenuation for light thickness [Alu, BPE, W] against Cs-137 = ~22,09%

Angle of incoming Attenuation percentage: Total protection: particle: 1/3 parallel (0°) Alu= 1,05%, BPE = 4,75%, W = 9,98% 14,99%

DK 181684 B1 14 1/3 semi-oblique (40°) | Alu = 1,48%, BPE = 6,47%, W = 14,0% 20,74% 1/3 oblique (63°) Alu = 2,33%, BPE = 10,03%, W =20,95% | 30,54%

Example 4:

Attenuation for light thickness [Alu, BPE, W] against 200keV = —70,29%

Angle of incoming Attenuation percentage: Total protection: particle: 1/3 parallel (0°) Alu= 1,63%, BPE = 6,62%, W = 52,98% 56,81% 1/3 semi-oblique (40°) | Alu = 2,30%, BPE = 8,99%, W = 65,6% 69,42% 1/3 oblique (63°) Alu = 3,62%, BPE = 13,86%, W = 81,5% 84.65%

Example 5:

Attenuation for light thickness [Alu, BPE, W] against 80keV = ~99,88%

Angle of incoming Attenuation percentage: Total protection: particle: 1/3 parallel (0°) Alu= 2,69%, BPE = 8,31%, W = 99,95% | 99,65% 1/3 semi-oblique (40°) | Alu = 3,78%, BPE = 11,54%, W = 100% | 100% 1/3 oblique (63°) Alu = 5,92%, BPE = 17,65%, W = 100% 100%

Advantageously, the breathable mesh is configured to decrease humidity and provide comfort. For example, during circumstances where the user is required to wear the smart vest 100 for a prolonged time, the breathable mesh provides comfort by decreasing humidity under the smart vest 100. Thereby, the present invention prevents deterioration in workability. The smart vest 100 of the present invention could be used in any environment to protect the user from expected or unexpected radiation exposure. In an example, the environments include, but not limited to, nuclear power plant facilities,

DK 181684 B1 15 research facilities and health care facilities. Furthermore, the smart vest 100 could be used by first responders and military personnel in case of situations, for example, meltdowns of nuclear reactors, or nuclear fallout. The smart vest 100 is configured to provide protection against high-energy radiation from all types of radioactive sources.

Thus, the smart vest 100 protects against alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron particles. The human organism has a lethal dose (LD50/60), in which 50% of exposed people without protection will die within 60 days at 2.5 Gray (radiation unit). The smart vest 100 of the present invention lowers the risk of lethal effects by 78%.

Claims

REQUIREMENTS

1. Radiation shielding vest (100) comprising a first layer (102) with a first outer layer (104) and a bulletproof fabric layer (106) disposed within the first outer layer (104), a second layer (108) disposed within in the first outer layer (104), wherein the second layer (108) comprises a second outer layer (116), which may be a radiation shielding layer, wherein the outer layer (116) encloses a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, and a radioactive material such as tungsten, characterized in that: the second layer (108) comprises an aluminum layer (110) and a borated polyethylene layer (112), wherein the borated polyethylene layer (112) is interposed between the tungsten alloy layer (114) and the aluminum layer (110), the second layer (112) outer layer (116) is placed between the bulletproof substance or material layer (106) and the first outer layer (104); a third layer (118) located adjacent to the first outer layer (104) and close to the second outer layer (116), the third layer (118) comprising a foam material, and a fourth layer (120) located adjacent to the third layer (118), wherein the fourth layer (120) consists of a breathable mesh type fabric.

2. Radiation shielding vest (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bulletproof fabric layer (106) is a Kevlar fabric layer, and wherein the aluminum layer (110) is proximal to the Kevlar fabric layer (106), the perforated polyethylene layer (112) is adjacent to the aluminum layer (110), and the tungsten alloy layer (114) is adjacent to the drilled polyethylene layer (112) and away from the Kevlar fabric layer (106).

3. The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 1, wherein the fourth layer (120) is configured to be close to the wearer, the first layer (102) is configured to be close to the wearer's surroundings, and the third layer (118) is placed between the fourth layer (120) and the first layer (102)

4. The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 1 further comprises a polyester layer adjacent the first layer (102) and the third layer (118).

5. The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 1 comprises an integrated dosimeter system (123) that enables the wearer to identify: a radiation dose rate or the total accumulated dose in the environment and how much has passed through the vest and for how long one has left in the current radioactive environment before certain predefined thresholds are reached.

The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 1, wherein the first layer (102) and the second layer (108) define a radiation shielding layer (122), and the third layer (118) and the fourth layer (120) define a base layer ( 124), the radiation shielding vest (100) comprises a plurality of radiation protection layers (122) arranged over the base layer (124), each radiation protection layer (122) arranged to at least partially overlap the adjacent radiation protection layer (122).

7. The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 1, wherein the first outer layer (104) is formed as a pocket to receive the bulletproof fabric or material layer (106) and the second layer (108) therein.

8. The radiation shielding vest (100) of claim 7, wherein the base layer (124) is close to a skin surface of the user and the radiation protection layer (122) is close to the user's surroundings.