Continuous exposure to radiation while performing procedures or undergoing treatment leads to significant and life-long effects. Radiation causes skin allergies, hair loss, burns, DNA damage, thyroid malfunctions, and other problems. Anti-radiation clothing reduces these harmful effects while protecting patients’ and staff members’ health.
Why Radiation Protection Matters
Every time a radiologist or support staffer uses equipment, they’re exposed to scattered radiation. Exposure is cumulative and can lead to life-threatening health conditions, but anti-radiation garments help.
Which Body Parts Are Sensitive to Radiation Exposure?
Science says that cell division and radiation sensitivity are proportionally related, while cell maturity is inversely related. Every body part is different, and not all cells have equal radiosensitivity.
- Highly radiosensitive cells include bone marrow, blood, stem, ovarian, intestinal, and skin cells.
- Moderately sensitive cells are found in bones, developing cartilage, the vascular system, and the stomach.
- Slightly sensitive cells are typically found in the salivary glands, kidneys, pancreas, brain, muscles, bones, mature cartilage, and respiratory organs.
Radiologists and support staffers face radiation exposure several times a day, which increases their risk of cancer and other health conditions. Anti-radiation clothing and protective equipment minimizes exposure and reduces potential health risks.
Which Materials Offer the Most Protection?
Radiation protective garments minimize exposure to primary and secondary radiation during diagnostic imaging. While lead has been the material of choice for decades, other options are now available.
- Lead composite garments combine lead and lightweight metals that mitigate radiation exposure.
- Lead-free garments offer the protection of lead-based gear, but they’re lighter and can be disposed of easily.
Lead, composite, and lead-free anti-radiation garments offer unique features and benefits. When choosing protective gear, consider the procedures you perform, how long they last, and how often they’re done.
The Benefits of Anti-Radiation Garments
Whether made with lead or other materials, anti-radiation garments offer several benefits to healthcare professionals.
- Better protection. Today’s protective gear shields users from ionizing radiation, ensuring that they can perform procedures safely without sacrificing their future health.
- Dexterity, maneuverability, and comfort.Anti-radiation clothing is made of quality materials that offer the flexibility and comfort professionals need to do their jobs safely. Ergonomically designed garments preserve dexterity, which allows surgeons and radiologists to move precisely.
- Radiation protective clothing is built to last, so buyers and users can maximize their investments. By choosing durable materials and following care guidelines, healthcare professionals can preserve the protective properties of these garments.
- Creating a culture of workplace safety.Using anti-radiation garments and gear in operating rooms and radiology clinics promotes a culture of workplace safety by emphasizing the crucial nature of radiation protection. When healthcare professionals use protective equipment, they increase safety awareness and encourage others to follow radiation exposure best practices.
- Protection now and in the future. Even if you’re feeling well now, there’s no way to tell what the future will bring. There’s nothing more devastating than receiving a cancer diagnosis after years of service in the healthcare field. Protect yourself now and in the coming years by wearing anti-radiation garments when necessary.
Radiology technicians and team members can reduce radiation exposure by wearing fitted protective clothing, using devices to minimize scatter radiation, and following safety protocols. By understanding the basics of protective clothing and imaging systems, users can help patients while enjoying long and healthy careers.
