What is Lead Shielding?

Lead shielding is the process of using lead to provide protection from radiation to shield objects or people from different types of radiation particularly at x-ray labs so that the effective dosage is reduced. Lead is particularly effective in stopping x-rays and gamma rays owing to its high atomic number resulting in high density.

The most common way of lead shielding is using a leaded apron or a lead apron which is a kind of defensive clothing which acts a shield from radiation that often is experienced during x ray diagnosis. It is made of an interior that consist of lead taking the shape of aprons used in hospitals. The exterior is made of thin rubber.

What kind of special care should be taken before or during lead shielding?

It is extremely essential that reproductive organs are particularly protected with the rubber lead apron during x ray services as any DNA changes to egg cells or sperms may cause genetic defects to the child which may results in unnecessary and serious trouble for the child as well as its parents.

A part of the body which is particularly susceptible to exposure to x-rays is the thyroid gland. Extra care should be put in place to protect the thyroid gland, specially before dental radiography is performed. Aprons that are used particularly for dental imaging must also have thyroid collars. Care should be taken to protect the thyroid also during chest x ray or shoulder x ray as it also is close to the thyroid gland. One can be sure that such care will be taken at well-known x ray labs such as Radiology Center At Harding, Morristown, New Jersey.

What are the specifications that need to be followed?

The appropriate thickness of lead aprons used during x ray radiology depends on the frequency and duration of use. The minimum specification for effective lead shielding is 0.25mm Pbeg. The aprons are known to absorb about 90-95% of the scattered radiation which reach them. If any medical personnel spend a considerable amount of time facing away from the patient, then “wrap around” lead aprons are beneficial for them. It is also important that the lead aprons are worn and stored with care. Attention needs to be given to the fact that the aprons are not thrown on the floor or are not folded. The creases which develop as a result of this, develop cracks and breaks in the protective layer and reduces its effectivity to protect while conducting further x ray radiography. The lead aprons should be assessed for its integrity and effectivity annually. Such practices are followed by specialized x ray labs like Radiology Center At Harding, Morristown, New Jersey.

A new school of thought has now surfaced where the experts believe that this dated practice of wrapping a lead apron can be done away with. It is because the practice is more of a feel-good measure that often deters the quality of the imaging which results in repetition of the process thus inadvertently exposing the patient to more radiation. But it will be difficult to convince the larger section of medical technicians about this as habit change is difficult to bring about particularly in the scene of medical precautions.