How should lead aprons be cleaned?

Aprons should never be immersed in water or under a faucet for cleaning. Rather, use a cold damp cloth or a mild detergent when needed. A soft brush can be used to clean heavily soiled areas. Also, to avoid cracking the protective material, lead aprons should never be folded or creased when stored.

Do lead aprons contain lead?

Protective lead aprons and thyroid shields contain lead to shield the wearer from radiation. Lead aprons and thyroid shields are placed between the person being protected and the x-ray source (for example, radiographic or fluoroscopic x-ray units, CT scanners, DEXA scanners).

How often should you check lead aprons?

Care and Use of Lead Aprons and Gloves Lead aprons should be checked fluoroscopically at least on an annual basis for their shielding integrity. Rejecting an apron depends on the location, area size and number of flaws. It is best to keep the number of flaws to a minimum.

How much protection do lead aprons provide?

1) Lead aprons. Lead aprons are the primary radiation protective garments used by personnel during fluoroscopy. The radiation protection provided by a lead apron is approximately the same as 0.25- to 1-mm thick lead. An apron with 0.5-mm thickness can attenuate approximately 90% or more of the scatter radiation.

What happens if you don’t wear a lead apron?

Perhaps more prevalent, dental X-rays that use radiation can cause nausea in patients when a lead apron is not worn. Also, headaches and a fever may form if dental X-rays are given without the use of a protective lead apron.

How do you hang lead aprons?

When not in use x-ray aprons must be stored on hangers to prevent cracks in the protective lead. If possible, do not store the x-ray apron on a flat surface. Aprons should be hung by the shoulder or on an approved apron hanger. Aprons should never be folded or creased, to avoid damaging the lead.

Are lead aprons bad?

Lead aprons offer little protection during X-rays. One of the downsides is that shielding can obscure the imaging field, leading to an unusable X-ray or CT scan, requiring the patient to have another. That increases his or her radiation exposure.

Why do dentists put lead aprons?

As mentioned, a lead apron is used during dental X-rays to protect internal organs, and other essential parts of the body from radiation exposure. The lead apron works by blocking the radiation before it is able to reach the inner parts of the body, while not hindering the results of dental X-rays.

What is the minimum requirement for lead aprons?

It is recommended that protective lead aprons offer a minimum of 0.25 mm lead equivalent, check your state’s regulations for specific requirements on lead equivalency. Commonly, the minimum requirement of lead equivalency for an occupational worker not standing in the primary beam is 0.25 mm.

How do you check for lead apron cracks?

Taking an x-ray of the apron is often the only way to detect smaller breaks or cracks along the sides. Thinning of the lead and the outer protective layer of the apron also warrants rejection.

Why do dentists cover patients with lead aprons?

As mentioned, a lead apron is a protective clothing item that is used to protect individuals from radiation exposure during dental X-rays. Lead aprons mainly protect internal organs during dental X-rays, which may become exposed to radiation if protective gear were not worn.

Do dentists still use lead aprons?

Patients who are at an increased risk of developing various cancers may also feel it’s necessary to protect themselves even though the risk of over-exposure is quite minimal. Rather than risking a child’s health, many dental experts continue to use lead aprons and thyroid collars for young patients.