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Choosing A Shielding Material for Your Lead Apron

Aug 17, 2016
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. 

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