X-Ray Personal Protective Equipment (X Ray PPE) is necessary to protect patients and radiology technicians from the damaging effects of scatter radiation and contact with open beam x-ray applications.
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Radiology PPE (personal protective equipment) is a category of special protective gear specifically designed to shield the radiology professional from the hazards of scatter radiation.
Radiology professionals must prevent potential exposure to radiation’s detrimental effects by wearing the proper x-ray PPE. By rigorously implementing the ALARA principle of radiation, exposure to ionizing radiation can be avoided.
X-ray imaging technology has advanced enormously since it was first used clinically in the early 1900s. However, radiation is cumulative, and for radiologists, radiographers, and other imaging personnel, years of exposure can add up to considerable risk and health issues.
When the appropriate protections are in place, the power of x-ray radiation can be used safely for procedures such as:
A wide range of X Ray PPE is available, including aprons, thyroid shield covers, gloves, mobile barriers, and more. The type of protective equipment necessary depends on the kind of procedure being performed.
Continue reading to learn why radiation protection equipment is necessary, how attenuating garments block x-rays, and what types of X Ray Protective Clothing are available.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations mandating the use of radiology personal protective equipment. Radiology employees must adhere to the PPE practices as set forth by their employers, according to these regulations. The provision of X-Ray Personal Protective Equipment (x-ray PPE) is absolutely essential to protect both technicians and patients from the damaging effects of scatter radiation and contact with open beam x-ray applications.
The most common approach to x-ray shielding is the use of special lead-lined protective gear. Lead is an extremely heavy metal with atoms packed very tightly together. It’s virtually impenetrable and therefore excellent at attenuating radiation waves. The downsides of lead are its weight and toxicity. However, modern metallurgical science has introduced new lead-free shielding materials that are much lighter to wear and less toxic. An example is Barrier Technologies’ innovative Pb-free attenuation material.
Barrier technologies offer its valued customers a wide range of X-Ray PPE. Attenuating garments that block x-rays include aprons, vests, thyroid collars, and gloves. Additional wearable devices include eye protection and face shields. X-ray personal protection equipment also extends to mobile barriers. The type of protective equipment necessary depends on the kind of procedure being performed.
The Discovery of the x-ray revolutionized medicine, and x-ray machines have saved the lives of countless millions around the globe. But one disadvantage of this breakthrough was the sudden increase in exposure to radioactive x-rays.
Fortunately for patients, routine and emergency x-rays pose little risk to their wellbeing, as they won’t reach the critical exposure thresholds for diseases related to ionizing radiation. However, radiologists and other healthcare professionals who work around radiation aren’t so fortunate.
Radiology technicians can easily be exposed to dozens of instances of scatter radiation each day, pushing them ever closer to the brink of radiation-induced conditions.
Diseases associated with exposure to ionizing radiation include:
Excessive exposure to x-rays can also cause hair loss, skin damage, burns, and other painful health conditions.
When an x-ray photon hits a person, it collides with atoms in the person’s cells. Electrons are knocked out of atoms with each new impact, destroying the electronic balance that atoms require and transforming them into ions or electrically charged atoms.
Compromised atoms wreak havoc in their cells, damaging molecules and disrupting DNA.
If enough atoms and cells are damaged, health conditions (like those listed above) can occur.
To protect technologists, doctors, and other personnel from the damaging effects of x-rays, it’s crucial to stock your facility with the appropriate radiation PPE.
Protective gear blocks x-rays using an attribute called “attenuation.”
Attenuation is the ability of an element to block radiation from passing through. This is determined on the atomic level, as certain elements have a small atomic density while others are hugely dense.
Flesh and muscle are composed of light elements like carbon (which has an atomic density of 12). This allows x-rays to easily pass through the body, knocking electrons out of orbit all the way through.
In contrast, the elements used in radiation PPE, like lead (atomic density of 207) and bismuth (atomic density of 209), block x-ray photons in their tracks.
Here’s a quick analogy to help you understand how this works:
Lightweight elements (e.g., carbon) are like a small empty field, and an x-ray photon is like a frisbee. Throwing a frisbee from one side of the field to the other is easy, as nothing is blocking your throw.
Now imagine filling the field with hundreds of tall trees — this represents a dense element like lead. This time, when you throw the frisbee, it will immediately strike a tree, lose its energy, and fall to the ground.
This is how heavy elements like bismuth, lead, and tungsten defends against x-rays. The tightly packed atoms in these materials prevent radiation from reaching the other side and damaging the person.
Here at Barrier Technologies, we develop and manufacture a huge variety of X Ray PPE. Our expansive inventory of PPE for radiation protection from gamma rays and x-rays includes:
Radiation protective xray lead aprons are available in lead or ultra-lightweight lead-free options. Both options are equally effective at blocking radiation to the torso, with some styles offering only front protection, while others provide full back and front protection. We also manufacture long aprons that provide leg protection above the knees.
Aprons can also be paired with full or half-length sleeves for increased long bone protection.
Personnel working in high-dose fluoroscopy settings usually wear dosimeters to monitor x-ray protection. One dosimeter is worn on the outside to track total exposure, while another dosimeter is worn on the inside of the apron to verify that the x-rays are being blocked.
Barrier Technologies’ aprons and vests are available with standard lead or lightweight lead-free protective core material. Our protective apparel is lightweight, comfortable, and provides lasting radiation protection.
Thyroid collars are another essential item for your radiation protective gear kit. The thyroid gland is susceptible to radiation and requires protection from scatter radiation to mitigate the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Barrier Technologies’ comfortable and effective thyroid collars are designed to protect the thyroid gland, located where the neck meets the chest. Barrier Technologies has a patented magnetic closure system named MagnaGuard™ that eliminates the need for velcro closure, enabling the wearer to properly clean and disinfect their Thyroid Collar.
Radiation protection gloves are crucial for physicians at risk of putting their hands in direct contact with the primary x-ray beam. Exposure of hands to X-ray radiation may result in radiodermatitis or cancers.
Barrier Technologies manufactures lead free and latex free innovative radiation protection gloves. Our STerile, Lead-Free gloves are engineered for enhanced tactile sensitivity and maximum comfort, featuring curved fingers to reduce tension on the hand during lengthy procedures.
Leaded eyewear defends the eyes against scattered x-rays, helping technologists reduce the risk of radiation-induced cataracts. Our specialized Corning Med-X® Glass lenses offer the highest level of protection in the industry and can be enhanced with anti-reflective and anti-fog coatings.
Barrier Technologies is a leading provider of long-lasting lead radiation safety glasses offering 0.75mm Pb protection in a variety of different frames & RX options.
Mobile radiation barriers are crucial to long bone protection during high-dose fluoroscopy procedures. Barrier Technologies’ mobile barriers come in full body height, for bedside protection, or height adjustable options. Our innovative portable shields stand on wheels, providing up to 4x the protection of your standard lead apron and giving doctors and techs something to lean on during long procedures.
The ALARA principle of radiation is governed by the three rules of Time, Distance, and Shielding:
Radiology departments must incorporate these three rules in a Radiation Protection Plan that includes:
An advantage of ordering your radiology protective equipment from Barrier Technologies is that we equip our products with antibacterial and comfort-boosting features to make them easier to wear for long periods.
These features include:
MagnaGuard™ is an antibacterial magnetic closure that eliminates velcro on aprons and thyroid collars.
We invented this new closure because velcro is notorious for harboring pathogens and contributes to the spread of HAIs.
Removing velcro from our radiation PPE, we help radiology technicians stay healthy and make our products more comfortable to wear (no more hair pulls!).
UltraFlex™ is an antibacterial outer material that is our answer to the traditional nylon that covers most aprons.
We developed this fabric because standard nylon is porous, making it impossible to clean.
UltraFlex™, on the other hand, is impervious to fluids, can be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant (making it COVID-19 compliant), and is more comfortable to wear as it’s a 4-way stretch fabric.
Another advantage of ordering your x-ray protective clothing from Barrier Technologies is that we offer a line of ready-to-ship aprons that can be mailed within 24 hrs of your order.
Our Ready-To-Go (RTG) aprons are available in a variety of configurations, including:
These immediately available aprons are equipped with both UltraFlex™ and MagnaGuard™ to help keep your staff safe from radiation and HAIs.
A: The three tenets are Time, Distance, and Shielding to minimize exposure. Avoid contact with the beam. Wear a dosimeter and x-ray PPE.
A: The 3 pieces of PPE for all radiologic workers are aprons, thyroid shields, and dosimeters. Additional PPE depends on the task, for example, fluoroscopy requires leaded eyewear. Other x-ray PPE includes gloves, face shields, mobile barriers, and more.
A: The effects are cumulative and the risk of cancer increases with each dose. X-rays can also induce radiodermatitis of the skin. Fetuses and young children carry triple the risk of cancer.
X-Ray Personal Protective Equipment (X Ray PPE) is necessary to protect patients and radiology technicians from the damaging effects of scatter radiation and contact with open beam x-ray applications.
Radiology PPE (personal protective equipment) is a category of special protective gear specifically designed to shield the radiology professional from the hazards of scatter radiation.
Radiology professionals must prevent potential exposure to radiation’s detrimental effects by wearing the proper x-ray PPE. By rigorously implementing the ALARA principle of radiation, exposure to ionizing radiation can be avoided.
X-ray imaging technology has advanced enormously since it was first used clinically in the early 1900s. However, radiation is cumulative, and for radiologists, radiographers, and other imaging personnel, years of exposure can add up to considerable risk and health issues.
When the appropriate protections are in place, the power of x-ray radiation can be used safely for procedures such as:
A wide range of X Ray PPE is available, including aprons, thyroid shield covers, gloves, mobile barriers, and more. The type of protective equipment necessary depends on the kind of procedure being performed.
Continue reading to learn why radiation protection equipment is necessary, how attenuating garments block x-rays, and what types of X Ray Protective Clothing are available.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations mandating the use of radiology personal protective equipment. Radiology employees must adhere to the PPE practices as set forth by their employers, according to these regulations. The provision of X-Ray Personal Protective Equipment (x-ray PPE) is absolutely essential to protect both technicians and patients from the damaging effects of scatter radiation and contact with open beam x-ray applications.
The most common approach to x-ray shielding is the use of special lead-lined protective gear. Lead is an extremely heavy metal with atoms packed very tightly together. It’s virtually impenetrable and therefore excellent at attenuating radiation waves. The downsides of lead are its weight and toxicity. However, modern metallurgical science has introduced new lead-free shielding materials that are much lighter to wear and less toxic. An example is Barrier Technologies’ innovative Pb-free attenuation material.
Barrier technologies offer its valued customers a wide range of X-Ray PPE. Attenuating garments that block x-rays include aprons, vests, thyroid collars, and gloves. Additional wearable devices include eye protection and face shields. X-ray personal protection equipment also extends to mobile barriers. The type of protective equipment necessary depends on the kind of procedure being performed.
The Discovery of the x-ray revolutionized medicine, and x-ray machines have saved the lives of countless millions around the globe. But one disadvantage of this breakthrough was the sudden increase in exposure to radioactive x-rays.
Fortunately for patients, routine and emergency x-rays pose little risk to their wellbeing, as they won’t reach the critical exposure thresholds for diseases related to ionizing radiation. However, radiologists and other healthcare professionals who work around radiation aren’t so fortunate.
Radiology technicians can easily be exposed to dozens of instances of scatter radiation each day, pushing them ever closer to the brink of radiation-induced conditions.
Diseases associated with exposure to ionizing radiation include:
Excessive exposure to x-rays can also cause hair loss, skin damage, burns, and other painful health conditions.
When an x-ray photon hits a person, it collides with atoms in the person’s cells. Electrons are knocked out of atoms with each new impact, destroying the electronic balance that atoms require and transforming them into ions or electrically charged atoms.
Compromised atoms wreak havoc in their cells, damaging molecules and disrupting DNA.
If enough atoms and cells are damaged, health conditions (like those listed above) can occur.
To protect technologists, doctors, and other personnel from the damaging effects of x-rays, it’s crucial to stock your facility with the appropriate radiation PPE.
Protective gear blocks x-rays using an attribute called “attenuation.”
Attenuation is the ability of an element to block radiation from passing through. This is determined on the atomic level, as certain elements have a small atomic density while others are hugely dense.
Flesh and muscle are composed of light elements like carbon (which has an atomic density of 12). This allows x-rays to easily pass through the body, knocking electrons out of orbit all the way through.
In contrast, the elements used in radiation PPE, like lead (atomic density of 207) and bismuth (atomic density of 209), block x-ray photons in their tracks.
Here’s a quick analogy to help you understand how this works:
Lightweight elements (e.g., carbon) are like a small empty field, and an x-ray photon is like a frisbee. Throwing a frisbee from one side of the field to the other is easy, as nothing is blocking your throw.
Now imagine filling the field with hundreds of tall trees — this represents a dense element like lead. This time, when you throw the frisbee, it will immediately strike a tree, lose its energy, and fall to the ground.
This is how heavy elements like bismuth, lead, and tungsten defends against x-rays. The tightly packed atoms in these materials prevent radiation from reaching the other side and damaging the person.
Here at Barrier Technologies, we develop and manufacture a huge variety of X Ray PPE. Our expansive inventory of PPE for radiation protection from gamma rays and x-rays includes:
Radiation protective xray lead aprons are available in lead or ultra-lightweight lead-free options. Both options are equally effective at blocking radiation to the torso, with some styles offering only front protection, while others provide full back and front protection. We also manufacture long aprons that provide leg protection above the knees.
Aprons can also be paired with full or half-length sleeves for increased long bone protection.
Personnel working in high-dose fluoroscopy settings usually wear dosimeters to monitor x-ray protection. One dosimeter is worn on the outside to track total exposure, while another dosimeter is worn on the inside of the apron to verify that the x-rays are being blocked.
Barrier Technologies’ aprons and vests are available with standard lead or lightweight lead-free protective core material. Our protective apparel is lightweight, comfortable, and provides lasting radiation protection.
Thyroid collars are another essential item for your radiation protective gear kit. The thyroid gland is susceptible to radiation and requires protection from scatter radiation to mitigate the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Barrier Technologies’ comfortable and effective thyroid collars are designed to protect the thyroid gland, located where the neck meets the chest. Barrier Technologies has a patented magnetic closure system named MagnaGuard™ that eliminates the need for velcro closure, enabling the wearer to properly clean and disinfect their Thyroid Collar.
Radiation protection gloves are crucial for physicians at risk of putting their hands in direct contact with the primary x-ray beam. Exposure of hands to X-ray radiation may result in radiodermatitis or cancers.
Barrier Technologies manufactures lead free and latex free innovative radiation protection gloves. Our STerile, Lead-Free gloves are engineered for enhanced tactile sensitivity and maximum comfort, featuring curved fingers to reduce tension on the hand during lengthy procedures.
Leaded eyewear defends the eyes against scattered x-rays, helping technologists reduce the risk of radiation-induced cataracts. Our specialized Corning Med-X® Glass lenses offer the highest level of protection in the industry and can be enhanced with anti-reflective and anti-fog coatings.
Barrier Technologies is a leading provider of long-lasting lead radiation safety glasses offering 0.75mm Pb protection in a variety of different frames & RX options.
Mobile radiation barriers are crucial to long bone protection during high-dose fluoroscopy procedures. Barrier Technologies’ mobile barriers come in full body height, for bedside protection, or height adjustable options. Our innovative portable shields stand on wheels, providing up to 4x the protection of your standard lead apron and giving doctors and techs something to lean on during long procedures.
The ALARA principle of radiation is governed by the three rules of Time, Distance, and Shielding:
Radiology departments must incorporate these three rules in a Radiation Protection Plan that includes:
An advantage of ordering your radiology protective equipment from Barrier Technologies is that we equip our products with antibacterial and comfort-boosting features to make them easier to wear for long periods.
These features include:
MagnaGuard™ is an antibacterial magnetic closure that eliminates velcro on aprons and thyroid collars.
We invented this new closure because velcro is notorious for harboring pathogens and contributes to the spread of HAIs.
Removing velcro from our radiation PPE, we help radiology technicians stay healthy and make our products more comfortable to wear (no more hair pulls!).
UltraFlex™ is an antibacterial outer material that is our answer to the traditional nylon that covers most aprons.
We developed this fabric because standard nylon is porous, making it impossible to clean.
UltraFlex™, on the other hand, is impervious to fluids, can be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant (making it COVID-19 compliant), and is more comfortable to wear as it’s a 4-way stretch fabric.
Another advantage of ordering your x-ray protective clothing from Barrier Technologies is that we offer a line of ready-to-ship aprons that can be mailed within 24 hrs of your order.
Our Ready-To-Go (RTG) aprons are available in a variety of configurations, including:
These immediately available aprons are equipped with both UltraFlex™ and MagnaGuard™ to help keep your staff safe from radiation and HAIs.
A: The three tenets are Time, Distance, and Shielding to minimize exposure. Avoid contact with the beam. Wear a dosimeter and x-ray PPE.
A: The 3 pieces of PPE for all radiologic workers are aprons, thyroid shields, and dosimeters. Additional PPE depends on the task, for example, fluoroscopy requires leaded eyewear. Other x-ray PPE includes gloves, face shields, mobile barriers, and more.
A: The effects are cumulative and the risk of cancer increases with each dose. X-rays can also induce radiodermatitis of the skin. Fetuses and young children carry triple the risk of cancer.
A: Both types of PPE are extremely effective. Lead is standard and heavier, but tungsten-based alloys provide lighter, and more comfortable shielding.
A: No, but it can be wiped down with special antimicrobial cleaning agents. Barrier Technologies manufacturers a cleaning apron designed specifically for this purpose.
A: Even if it’s kept clean, and fits properly, x-ray PPE should not be shared between staff members.
Barrier Technologies has established itself as a leader in the radiation PPE industry. Our engineers are dedicated to creating safe, comfortable, and sanitary products that help radiologists work effectively without fatigue or the risk of contracting HAIs.
Here at Barrier Technologies, your safety is our concern. We are the foremost radiation protection solutionsradiation protection solutions company developing innovative products to protect people from the harmful effects of scatter radiation.
Ensuring that your employees are equipped with high-quality, durable x-ray PPE is not only an essential business practice but also mandated by regulations. We pride ourselves on the design, manufacture, and supply of incomparable PPE that exceeds all CDA and FDA requirements. We invite you to explore our site and browse our catalogs to choose the best solution for your organization.
If you need radiation protection gear immediately, take advantage of our Ready To Go line of aprons. Place your order now, and your aprons will ship within 24 hours.
For custom apron orders or to order other items from our X Ray PPE catalog, contact our office.
While radiation is constantly present both in our environment (natural background radiation) and in our bodies, it is incredibly important to limit radiation exposure. As we've touched on previously in our recent article, "Time, Distance, & Shielding: Key Radiation Protection Principles," following these three pillars of radiation safety is crucial.
While time, distance, and shielding make up the 3 key principles of radiation protection, in this article we'll dive deeper into the shielding materials that work best in keeping radiation dose “ALARA” (as low as reasonably achievable).
As always, we hope you find this article informative, and we look forward to hearing your feedback!
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) defines radiation shielding as the "reduction of radiation by interposing a shield of absorbing material between any radioactive source and a person, work area, or radiation-sensitive device." Using or inserting the proper shield can greatly reduce or eliminate the dose received.
Sources of radiation can be shielded with solid or liquid material, both of which absorb the energy of the radiation. Different types of ionizing radiation interact in different ways with the shielding material(s) being used, which we'll explore further below.
Although radiation exists throughout both our environment and bodies, humans must do all they can to reduce unnecessary and excessive radiation exposure. Preventing exposure is critical, as radiation can damage the DNA in human cells.
High doses of radiation can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and/or Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRI). An increased dose of radiation also can potentially cause cancer in the future.
The barrier used depends on the type of radiation it is trying to block. The necessity of shielding in radiation is based on the principle of attenuation. Attenuation is the degree to which a radio wave or ray’s effect can be blocked or bounced with the use of a barrier material.
This process of radiation attenuation can be achieved by placing an absorbent substance between the source emitting radiation and an individual, workspace, or radiation-sensitive instrument. The radiation shielding calculations and properties of any material are presented in terms of the linear attenuation coefficient.
The effectiveness of shielding depends on stopping power, which varies both with the type and energy of radiation and the shielding material used. Different shielding techniques are therefore used depending on the application, and the type and energy of the radiation. In nuclear and materials physics, stopping power is defined as the retarding force acting on charged particles (typically alpha and beta particles) due to interaction with matter, resulting in loss of particle kinetic energy.
The short answer is simply "no." Specific materials are useful in protection against specific types of radiation. These same materials may not be effective in shielding any other type of radiation.
Shielding is necessary for both directly ionizing radiation and indirectly ionizing radiation. Indirectly ionizing radiation carries no electrical charge and produces ionization by first setting free a charged particle. The two indirectly ionizing radiations of concern are 1) gamma rays and x-rays, and 2) neutrons.
Since lead is an extremely heavy element (heavier than almost 80% of the other elements found on the periodic table), it’s a common choice for fabricating radiation shielding products.
Lead is a corrosion-resistant and malleable metal. Lead's high density (11.34 grams per cubic centimeter) makes it an effective barrier against x-ray and gamma radiation. Other key features include its significant flexibility, exceptional stability, and high atomic number. Finally, lead is available in a variety of forms, which makes it the best choice for shielding x-rays and gamma rays.
Pure lead is commonly blended with resins and fillers to create a flexible lead vinyl film that can be worn as a radiation shielding material. The lead layers are piled to the required thickness and inserted into the radiation shielding fabric to produce the desired lead thickness.
For classic lead radiation shielding clothing, there are 3 standard levels of lead equivalent shielding: 0.25mm, 0.35mm, and 0.5mm. Lead equivalent products (which are composites that are much lighter than lead) also use these levels. Examples of such products include EarthSafe, Xenolite, and Demron®.
Lead can also be added to concrete or cinder blocks for use in wall construction. In x-ray facilities, walls surrounding the room with the x-ray machine may contain lead shielding such as lead sheets, or the plaster may contain barium sulfate (a dense compound proficient in absorbing gamma radiation).
X-ray operators generally view the target through a lead glass screen. If it's necessary for them to remain in the same room as the target, they also commonly wear lead aprons.
Lead can be fabricated into different product forms to provide radiation shielding and protection - the most common of which are:
Alpha particles are the least penetrating type of radiation. Even the most energetic alpha particles can be stopped by a single sheet of paper. Alpha particles cannot penetrate the outer layer of dead skin, so they don't pose a risk to humans when the source is outside of the body.
Beta particles (electrons) are more penetrating, but still can be absorbed by a few millimeters of aluminum. Low energy beta particles can be shielded simply by an outer layer of clothing in most cases. However, in cases where high-energy beta particles are emitted, shielding must be accomplished with low atomic weight materials (usually plastic, wood, water, or acrylic glass). This is done to shield out the Bremsstrahlung radiation produced. Bremsstrahlung radiation is the radiation given off by a charged particle (most commonly an electron) due to its acceleration caused by the electric field of another charged particle.
The effectiveness of a shielding material in general increases with its atomic number (called Z), except in the case of neutron shielding. Neutron radiation is more easily shielded by neutron absorbers and moderators like boron and cadmium. Water and hydrocarbons (like polyethylene and paraffin wax) are also used for neutron radiation shielding.
Neutron radiation is not as readily absorbed as charged particle radiation, which makes this type or radiation highly penetrating. In a process called neutron activation, neutrons are absorbed by nuclei of atoms in a nuclear reaction. This often creates a secondary radiation hazard, as the absorbing nuclei transform to the next-heaviest isotope (many of which are unstable) and then become radioactive and decay.
There are several factors that influence the design, selection, and use of shielding for radioactive material. Considerations such as attenuation effectiveness, strength, resistance to damage, thermal properties, and cost efficiency can affect these choices. While metals are strong and resistant to radiation damage, they undergo changes in their mechanical properties and can deteriorate in certain ways from radiation exposure.
On the other hand, concrete is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive to produce, but it becomes weaker at higher temperatures, and is less effective at blocking neutrons.
Over time, lightweight radiation shielding products have been developed to provide protection and personal radiation shielding. One such product that is commonly used is called Demron®. This flexible fabric can be forged into hazmat suits, blankets, tents, tactical vests, and other personal protection products. Testing by the United States Department of Energy has demonstrated that the material is effective in reducing the levels of high energy alpha and beta radiation, as well as reducing low energy gamma radiation. The lightweight and flexible nature of these types of products makes them ideal for wearable individual protection. They are also easy to clean, maintain, and store.
Radiation Detection Company (RDC) is dedicated to your safety and the safety of all your employees. We have 75 years of experience providing quality dosimetry solutions to over 28,000 companies across the US.
RDC offers a suite of affordable and comprehensive solutions to fit the needs of any organization - large or small. Please visit our Solutions page to view our extensive offerings.
Have a question that we did not address in this article? Please reach out to our Customer Care team, and one of our specialists will be happy to support you.
Learn how Radiation Detection Company’s easy-to-use dosimetry solutions can boost the efficiency of your practice.
Sign Up View PricingA: Both types of PPE are extremely effective. Lead is standard and heavier, but tungsten-based alloys provide lighter, and more comfortable shielding.
A: No, but it can be wiped down with special antimicrobial cleaning agents. Barrier Technologies manufacturers a cleaning apron designed specifically for this purpose.
A: Even if it’s kept clean, and fits properly, x-ray PPE should not be shared between staff members.
Barrier Technologies has established itself as a leader in the radiation PPE industry. Our engineers are dedicated to creating safe, comfortable, and sanitary products that help radiologists work effectively without fatigue or the risk of contracting HAIs.
Here at Barrier Technologies, your safety is our concern. We are the foremost radiation protection solutions company developing innovative products to protect people from the harmful effects of scatter radiation.
Ensuring that your employees are equipped with high-quality, durable x-ray PPE is not only an essential business practice but also mandated by regulations. We pride ourselves on the design, manufacture, and supply of incomparable PPE that exceeds all CDA and FDA requirements. We invite you to explore our site and browse our catalogs to choose the best solution for your organization.
If you need radiation protection gear immediately, take advantage of our Ready To Go line of aprons. Place your order now, and your aprons will ship within 24 hours.
For custom apron orders or to order other items from our X Ray PPE catalog, contact our office.
While radiation is constantly present both in our environment (natural background radiation) and in our bodies, it is incredibly important to limit radiation exposure. As we've touched on previously in our recent article, "Time, Distance, & Shielding: Key Radiation Protection Principles," following these three pillars of radiation safety is crucial.
While time, distance, and shielding make up the 3 key principles of radiation protection, in this article we'll dive deeper into the shielding materials that work best in keeping radiation dose “ALARA” (as low as reasonably achievable).
As always, we hope you find this article informative, and we look forward to hearing your feedback!
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) defines radiation shielding as the "reduction of radiation by interposing a shield of absorbing material between any radioactive source and a person, work area, or radiation-sensitive device." Using or inserting the proper shield can greatly reduce or eliminate the dose received.
Sources of radiation can be shielded with solid or liquid material, both of which absorb the energy of the radiation. Different types of ionizing radiation interact in different ways with the shielding material(s) being used, which we'll explore further below.
Although radiation exists throughout both our environment and bodies, humans must do all they can to reduce unnecessary and excessive radiation exposure. Preventing exposure is critical, as radiation can damage the DNA in human cells.
High doses of radiation can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and/or Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRI). An increased dose of radiation also can potentially cause cancer in the future.
The barrier used depends on the type of radiation it is trying to block. The necessity of shielding in radiation is based on the principle of attenuation. Attenuation is the degree to which a radio wave or ray’s effect can be blocked or bounced with the use of a barrier material.
This process of radiation attenuation can be achieved by placing an absorbent substance between the source emitting radiation and an individual, workspace, or radiation-sensitive instrument. The radiation shielding calculations and properties of any material are presented in terms of the linear attenuation coefficient.
The effectiveness of shielding depends on stopping power, which varies both with the type and energy of radiation and the shielding material used. Different shielding techniques are therefore used depending on the application, and the type and energy of the radiation. In nuclear and materials physics, stopping power is defined as the retarding force acting on charged particles (typically alpha and beta particles) due to interaction with matter, resulting in loss of particle kinetic energy.
The short answer is simply "no." Specific materials are useful in protection against specific types of radiation. These same materials may not be effective in shielding any other type of radiation.
Shielding is necessary for both directly ionizing radiation and indirectly ionizing radiation. Indirectly ionizing radiation carries no electrical charge and produces ionization by first setting free a charged particle. The two indirectly ionizing radiations of concern are 1) gamma rays and x-rays, and 2) neutrons.
Since lead is an extremely heavy element (heavier than almost 80% of the other elements found on the periodic table), it’s a common choice for fabricating radiation shielding products.
Lead is a corrosion-resistant and malleable metal. Lead's high density (11.34 grams per cubic centimeter) makes it an effective barrier against x-ray and gamma radiation. Other key features include its significant flexibility, exceptional stability, and high atomic number. Finally, lead is available in a variety of forms, which makes it the best choice for shielding x-rays and gamma rays.
Pure lead is commonly blended with resins and fillers to create a flexible lead vinyl film that can be worn as a radiation shielding material. The lead layers are piled to the required thickness and inserted into the radiation shielding fabric to produce the desired lead thickness.
For classic lead radiation shielding clothing, there are 3 standard levels of lead equivalent shielding: 0.25mm, 0.35mm, and 0.5mm. Lead equivalent products (which are composites that are much lighter than lead) also use these levels. Examples of such products include EarthSafe, Xenolite, and Demron®.
Lead can also be added to concrete or cinder blocks for use in wall construction. In x-ray facilities, walls surrounding the room with the x-ray machine may contain lead shielding such as lead sheets, or the plaster may contain barium sulfate (a dense compound proficient in absorbing gamma radiation).
X-ray operators generally view the target through a lead glass screen. If it's necessary for them to remain in the same room as the target, they also commonly wear lead aprons.
Lead can be fabricated into different product forms to provide radiation shielding and protection - the most common of which are:
Alpha particles are the least penetrating type of radiation. Even the most energetic alpha particles can be stopped by a single sheet of paper. Alpha particles cannot penetrate the outer layer of dead skin, so they don't pose a risk to humans when the source is outside of the body.
Beta particles (electrons) are more penetrating, but still can be absorbed by a few millimeters of aluminum. Low energy beta particles can be shielded simply by an outer layer of clothing in most cases. However, in cases where high-energy beta particles are emitted, shielding must be accomplished with low atomic weight materials (usually plastic, wood, water, or acrylic glass). This is done to shield out the Bremsstrahlung radiation produced. Bremsstrahlung radiation is the radiation given off by a charged particle (most commonly an electron) due to its acceleration caused by the electric field of another charged particle.
The effectiveness of a shielding material in general increases with its atomic number (called Z), except in the case of neutron shielding. Neutron radiation is more easily shielded by neutron absorbers and moderators like boron and cadmium. Water and hydrocarbons (like polyethylene and paraffin wax) are also used for neutron radiation shielding.
Neutron radiation is not as readily absorbed as charged particle radiation, which makes this type or radiation highly penetrating. In a process called neutron activation, neutrons are absorbed by nuclei of atoms in a nuclear reaction. This often creates a secondary radiation hazard, as the absorbing nuclei transform to the next-heaviest isotope (many of which are unstable) and then become radioactive and decay.
There are several factors that influence the design, selection, and use of shielding for radioactive material. Considerations such as attenuation effectiveness, strength, resistance to damage, thermal properties, and cost efficiency can affect these choices. While metals are strong and resistant to radiation damage, they undergo changes in their mechanical properties and can deteriorate in certain ways from radiation exposure.
On the other hand, concrete is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive to produce, but it becomes weaker at higher temperatures, and is less effective at blocking neutrons.
Over time, lightweight radiation shielding products have been developed to provide protection and personal radiation shielding. One such product that is commonly used is called Demron®. This flexible fabric can be forged into hazmat suits, blankets, tents, tactical vests, and other personal protection products. Testing by the United States Department of Energy has demonstrated that the material is effective in reducing the levels of high energy alpha and beta radiation, as well as reducing low energy gamma radiation. The lightweight and flexible nature of these types of products makes them ideal for wearable individual protection. They are also easy to clean, maintain, and store.
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