Radiation Protection Products - Protecting Yourself From Harmful But Necessary Radiation
Medical radiation, from X-rays, also contributes.
These scans, which are so essential to diagnosis and cure, are also inherently dangerous, particularly if given more than a dozen times a year.
The greatest danger is to the thyroid gland, and this is why governments routinely distribute potassium iodide tablets in the event of accidental radiation exposures, as in a nuclear plant failure.
Radiation protection equipment for both radiologist and patient is a standard in facilities that offer X-rays.
This equipment can run the gamut from lead-lined vests, or aprons, to lap shields for use by women of childbearing age and thyroid neck shields.
The Xenolite radiation protection lead apron, a scientific advance in shielding technology, was first developed in 1991 by DuPont and represents the world's first lightweight, multi-element, composite X-ray protection material.
Designed specifically to replace traditional lead shielding, Xenolite is, as its name implies, about half the weight of lead, reducing the element of weight-fatigue for technicians who must wear shielding all day.
Equally as important, disposal of Xenolite aprons and vests eliminates the environmental hazard of lead disposal.
Protective aprons for technicians and patients also come in lightweight models with removable lead panels, making aprons completely disposable without recycling once the panels are removed.
In addition to aprons, protective gloves, glasses and masks (which offer a greater surface area of protection), radiologists can protect themselves with lightweight, ergonomically designed thyroid collars.
To protect their patients, technicians can arm themselves with man different types of radiation protection products such as rolling lead shields, overhead shields, and individualized shields which protect gonads, the reproductive area, the spine, and even the neck with flexible, comfortable thyroid shields.
X-rays are an essential tool of modern medicine, and protecting humans from their inherent danger is a valuable component.