A radiation attenuation system suitable for use in radiological examinations includes a first portion comprising a radiation attenuation material and a second portion comprising a relatively non-radiation attenuation buffer region between the radiation attenuation material and an article undergoing the examination. The radiation attenuation system may be positioned over, under, near, or otherwise about the article. According to one embodiment, the radiation attenuation system is intended to be positioned over a target area on the article and coincident with the primary radiation beam.