Lead Vital Line of Defence Against Radiation

Lead helps form a vital protective barrier for many medical and dental workers who otherwise would be exposed to harmful radiation.

Lead is a high density element with a high atomic number which helps it to scatter radiation. The way it works is that the photons produced by gamma and x-rays deliver energy into electrons they come into contact with. Within humans, this could damage their electrons at cellular leveland cause cancer without a protective shield.

Lead's high density and large number of electrons helps to scatter s-rays and gamma rays. Although, it needs to be stated that lead isn't useful with all types of radiation: on contact with other types such as beta radiation it my lead to more harmful radiation being generated than the original.

Where lead does work effectively is with x-rays and gamma radiations. That's why patients at dentists or using other medical imaging will be asked to wear an apron made of lead.

Meanwhile, medical and dental personnel who regularly use x-ray medical imaging machinery must have more complete radiation than just lead aprons, for example lead gloves and other lead shielding garments.

Given that radiation exposure can cause cancer, the correct sourcing and maintenance of all lead shielding garments is of paramount importance. Hospitals, for example, only source from reputable, trusted providers who can demonstrate that their lead garments have been tested to meet certain safety standards.

Additionally, lead garments can decay quite quickly as the electrons are constantly absorbing energy from x-rays, so it's common for suppliers to offer regular servicing of all their supplied lead garments.

After all, when even the slightest loss in lead protection, or frays or holes could potentially be lethal over time, it pays to be extremely vigilant when dealing with lead protective wear.

This tends to be legislated for, with most local health authorities demanding regular and through inspection of all lead equipment.

There are also issues with the disposal of lead shielding equipment. Being a very toxic heavy metal, they need to be recycled properly to prevent lead contamination into the ground or water.

Otherwise, lead concentrations can build up in the food chain, with higher lead concentrations capable of causing lead poisoning among humans and animals.

The other concern for personnel who have to wear lead shielding garments is comfort.

Lead aprons, for example, can be heavy and unwieldy, so it's vital that personnel get correctly fitted and comfortable garments.