Will We Always Need the Lead Apron?

It is in its early stages, but research is being done on the use of lead aprons in x-ray rooms. More specifically, not using lead aprons during x-ray procedures.

The use of lead aprons during x-rays has been going on since the 1950’s. Studies being done, including those by Rebecca Marsh, a medical physicist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, seem to indicate that they may not be as necessary as once indicated. The bigger issue seems to be in patient perception. It is so deeply ingrained in the culture of radiology that it may be difficult to remove the lead apron even if it becomes unnecessary.

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