Leak-proof lead barrier system

A wall construction for use in x-ray rooms and other areas where radiation protection is needed, comprising:

• a plurality of sheets of lead-backed gypsum board butted together and thereby defining a seam;
• a metal stud comprising a channel member formed of a planar base and two planar legs extending perpendicularly from said planar base along opposite edges of said planar base and in the same direction from said planar base, one of said two planar legs spanning said seam, extending along the length of said seam, and being fastened to said sheets of lead-backed gypsum board on opposite sides of said seam;
• and an L-shaped lead barrier member located within said channel member, said L-shaped lead barrier member having a planar mounting portion attached to said planar base of said channel member and a planar barrier portion projecting from said planar mounting portion at a right angle thereto in a same direction as said two planar legs and extending over said seam, thereby providing a barrier to any radiation passing through said seam.