Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University and National University-Mall of Asia Campus have discovered a surprising new application for the abundant volcanic ash found across the Philippines: it can serve as an effective shield against harmful radiation.

Radiation shielding is important for places like hospitals, industrial sites, and nuclear facilities because they use ionizing radiation for many helpful purposes. For example, doctors use it to treat illnesses, engineers use it to check building strength, and it’s used to sterilize food to make it last longer. However, being exposed to ionizing radiation for too long can be harmful, so shielding is necessary.

Taal Volcanic Ash originates from the Taal Volcano, which is situated on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It’s named after Taal Lake and the surrounding area where the volcano is located.

Traditional materials like concrete and lead are often used for radiation shielding, but they can be expensive and bad for the environment. Using volcanic ash as a construction material offers a more sustainable and lighter option.

In 2020, the Taal Volcano erupted, spreading ash across large areas of Luzon and creating disposal problems. Instead of viewing this ash as waste, researchers Floyd Rey P. Plando, Myris V. Supnad, and Joel T. Maquiling looked into using it in construction. They tested the properties of the ash-based mortar and found that its iron-rich minerals could block harmful radiation effectively.

Plando explained that iron’s density and high electron count make it better at interacting with and blocking dangerous X-rays and gamma rays.

Maquiling explained that mixing volcanic ash with other materials creates a structure that effectively blocks radiation because of the disorder in its microstructures.

In the Philippines, where volcanic materials are plentiful due to its tectonic activity, this discovery provides a useful way to manage disaster waste while improving safety in crucial areas.

Although more research is needed to improve the material’s durability and efficiency, this breakthrough shows that even the byproducts of natural disasters can lead to important and life-saving innovations.

Source of Information:  ATENEO DE MANILLA 

Ateneo Geophysics Research Laboratory

Understanding the Importance of Radiation Shielding in Critical Settings