The invention relates to a lead substitute material for radiation protection purposes, wherein the lead substitute material comprises from 12 to 22 wt. % silicone-based matrix material, from 1 to 75 wt. % Sn or Sn compounds, from 0 to 73 wt. % W or W compounds, from 0 to 80 wt. % Bi or Bi compounds, for nominal overall lead equivalents of from 0.25 to 2.00 mm. The invention relates further to a lead substitute material that additionally comprises one or more of the elements Er, Ho, Dy, Tb, Gd, Eu, Sm, Ta, Hf, Lu, Yb, Tm, Th, U and/or their compounds and/or CsI.