Values of the gamma-ray mass-attenuation coefficient, the photon mean free path (MFP), the effective atomic number and the effective electron density have been determined experimentally for xZnO · 2 xPbO · (1−3 x)B 2O 3 ( x=0.1–0.26) glasses at photon energies 511, 662, 1173 and 1332 keV and compared with theoretical data. The specific volume of the glasses has been derived from density measurements and studied as a function of composition. It is pointed out that these glasses have potential applications in radiation shielding.