Compositions and processes for forming radiopaque polymeric articles aredisclosed. In one embodiment, radiation inspection apparatuses and methods arethen used to determine the presence and attributes of such radiopaquepolymeric articles. A radiopaque polymeric article of the present inventioncan be created by mixing a radiopaque material, such as barium, bismuth,tungsten or their compounds, with a powdered polymer, pelletized polymer orliquid solution, emulsion or suspension of a polymer in solvent or water. Inaddition to creating radiation detectable objects, the radiopaque polymericmaterials of the present invention can be used to create radiation protectivearticles, such as radiation protective garments and bomb containment vessels.Enhanced radiation protection can also be achieved through the use of nano-materials. The principals of the present invention can be used to provideprotection against other types of hazards, including fire, chemical,biological and projectile hazards.
