Advancement in Radiation Protection: Non-Lead Apron
People are exposed to radiation every day just by being alive on this earth. One receives approximately 3,000 µSv of ubiquitous background radiation a year, which means approximately 8.2 µSv per day (Howerton, Iannucci, 2012). This is known as background radiation and is caused by terrestrial, cosmic, and naturally occurring radon. On the other hand, during radiographic examination some degree of biological damage does occur during exposure, therefore no amount of radiation is considered safe (Howerton, Iannucci, 2012). For this matter, radiographers have the professional responsibility to reduce hazards caused by ionization radiation not only for the patients but for themselves and other staff members. Carefully deciding the appropriate radiographic procedure and sequence based on the patient’s need is imperative, as there must be justification and a benefit for taking each image. In order to properly address this concern, personal protective equipment (PPE), and particularly the use of the non-lead apron should be discussed.
The biological damage and chemical changes that occur to human cells and chromosomes due to radiation can lead to two types of injuries at the cellular level. These are termed deterministic and stochastic, and either increase …show more content…
Lead Aprons are an essential part of the PPE that protect radiographers and patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. They are made from powdered lead incorporated in a binder of rubber or vinyl and come in various lead equivalencies (Howeron & Iannucci, 2012). If used as a secondary barrier to absorb scattered radiation an apron with lead equivalency of at least 0.25mm should be used. Lead aprons shall be at least 0.5mm of lead equivalent for fluoroscopy but can be higher to the range of 1mm of lead equivalence. (Howerton &Iannucci,
People are exposed to radiation every day just by being alive on this earth. One receives approximately 3,000 µSv of ubiquitous background radiation a year, which means approximately 8.2 µSv per day (Howerton, Iannucci, 2012). This is known as background radiation and is caused by terrestrial, cosmic, and naturally occurring radon. On the other hand, during radiographic examination some degree of biological damage does occur during exposure, therefore no amount of radiation is considered safe (Howerton, Iannucci, 2012). For this matter, radiographers have the professional responsibility to reduce hazards caused by ionization radiation not only for the patients but for themselves and other staff members. Carefully deciding the appropriate radiographic procedure and sequence based on the patient’s need is imperative, as there must be justification and a benefit for taking each image. In order to properly address this concern, personal protective equipment (PPE), and particularly the use of the non-lead apron should be discussed.
The biological damage and chemical changes that occur to human cells and chromosomes due to radiation can lead to two types of injuries at the cellular level. These are termed deterministic and stochastic, and either increase …show more content…
Lead Aprons are an essential part of the PPE that protect radiographers and patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. They are made from powdered lead incorporated in a binder of rubber or vinyl and come in various lead equivalencies (Howeron & Iannucci, 2012). If used as a secondary barrier to absorb scattered radiation an apron with lead equivalency of at least 0.25mm should be used. Lead aprons shall be at least 0.5mm of lead equivalent for fluoroscopy but can be higher to the range of 1mm of lead equivalence. (Howerton &Iannucci,