Method of attenuation of electromagnetic radiation

A method for the protection of matter, including humans, by attenuation of electromagnetic radiation comprises providing the matter with a protective layer of an inorganic composition formed from at least two elements, or compounds thereof, selected from different specified groups. The elements provide complementary attenuation of the radiation, and may be selected to optimize protection against specific energy spectra. The inorganic composition may be in a carrier e.g. a polymer. The method may be used in a variety of ways e.g. in protection of humans from x-rays, gamma rays or other radiation, or in packaging applications, protection of equipment sensitive to radiation or the like. The inorganic composition comprises elements or compounds of Ac, Bi, Au, Pb, Hg, Pu, Po, Pa, Tl, Th and/or U together with elements or compounds of Sb, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cs, La, Pb, In, I, Ag, Te, Sn, W, Au, Ir, Hg, Os, Pt, Re, Ta and/or Tl. (author)