Choosing A Shielding Material for Your Lead Apron
As someone working in the medical industry, you probably know that
lead is the most common material used to protect medical practitioners
from scatter radiation. Radiation protection apparel made with 100% lead
provides you with the highest level of shielding. However, depending on
the amount of kVp you are exposed to you may or may not need this level
of protection.
When choosing a shielding material for your lead apron you have three options. Your first option is lead. Your second option is a combination of lead and a non-lead composite core material. Your third option is a lead free shielding material made from other types of attenuating metals including bismuth, antimony, tungsten and tin.
The
first step when deciding your best shielding option is verifying with
your radiation safety officer the acceptable level of protection
required at your facility. If you are exposed to lower levels of kVp
(between 100 and 130) you may be better off using a lead free material
or a combination of lead and composite core materials for your lead
apron. Lead free shielding and composite core materials are
significantly lighter than lead. Using these shielding materials will
significantly reduce the weight of your lead apron and long term
will help prevent ergonomic repetitive stress injuries.
Shielding Options:
TrueLead
Composed
of 100 percent lead core. It offers the highest level of protection,
with a lead equivalency of 0.5mm @ 150KVP. It is a good economical
choice that provides excellent protection.
UltraXTLite
Composed of a composite core. It is the best combination of weight, protection, and economy available on the market. It offers a highly acceptable level of protection, with a lead equivalency of 0.5mm @ 130KVP, at considerably less weight than TrueLead.
CirrusEcoLite
Composed of a blend of lightweight materials and does not contain lead. It is the lightest (most ergonomic) material with a lead equivalency of 0.5mm @ 100KVP.
For more information on what type of lead apron is right for you contact our office.