What is the primary shielding material recommended for attenuating x-rays?

The primary shielding material recommended for attenuating x-rays is lead. This is due to lead's high atomic number and density, which makes it particularly effective at absorbing and scattering x-ray photons. When x-rays pass through materials, they interact with the atoms in that material. High atomic number materials, like lead, have a greater probability of interacting with x-ray photons, thereby reducing the intensity of the radiation that can pass through.

In practice, lead is commonly used in protective lead aprons, walls, and barriers in both medical and industrial imaging settings. The thickness of lead shielding necessary to protect against x-ray exposure can be calculated based on the energy of the x-rays and the required level of protection.

The other materials listed do not provide adequate attenuation for x-rays. Aluminum, while used in certain applications for x-ray equipment and as part of filtration, does not offer the same level of protection as lead. Paper is far too thin and does not have the atomic density required to absorb x-rays effectively. Tungstate may refer to certain materials used in other applications but is not a standard choice for radiation shielding against x-rays. Therefore, lead remains the gold standard for x-ray radiation protection.