In the healthcare and medical sector, there is wide usage of radiology equipment for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various diseases/illnesses. X-rays or ionizing radiation are harmful to the human body and so medical personnel or healthcare workers who daily work in radiology settings or perform radiological procedures can suffer from radiation damages. To address the ever-present effects of ionizing radiation, specialized garments like lead aprons are advised to be worn. Nowadays, lightweight lead aprons with ergonomic features are available for use.
In this post, we will be learning about the damages that X-ray radiation can cause and how lead aprons provide protection. At last, we will be emphasizing the necessity of wearing lead aprons.
Potential X-ray Radiation Damages
X-ray radiation is an ionizing radiation that can penetrate a matter. It can be absorbed by the body and potentially cause damage to the living tissues. Very high radiation dose or prolonged/excessive radiation exposure can damage the cells of the area exposed to it by targeting the DNA within.
Potential radiation damages include:
- Skin burns/reddening
- Hair loss
- Nail deformities
- Cataracts
- Fertility or pregnancy-related issues
- Cancer (in later life).
Role of Lead Aprons in Protection from X-ray Radiation Damage
Lead aprons are safety garments made of lead or lead composite material. They help block ionizing radiation or X-rays from reaching the radio-sensitive tissues and vital organs of the body. The lead is a metal of high density and atomic number. It can absorb the X-ray radiation and scatter or deflect it away from the object lying in its proximity. Thus, when X-ray radiation hits the lead apron, the garment works as a shield and helps minimize the radiation dose/intensity before it reaches the wearer.
Why Wearing Lead Aprons Are Necessary?
Lead aprons are fundamental to wear as a safety measure in a facility or healthcare setting where ionizing radiations are used. They can help protect healthcare workers, radiologists, or surgeons from harm caused by radiation exposure over time. The lead aprons mainly cover the radio-sensitive body areas with vital organs that particularly come in the beam path of the X-ray radiation. They act as a shield for the torso- chest, abdomen, back, and pelvis, specifically protecting the gonads and thyroid gland. Thus, those operating radiology equipment can stay healthy and efficiently work if they manage to keep their body radiation protected with a regularly inspected and well-maintained, fully functional lead apron.