• A lead apron is inadequate for shielding 18F or 131I but is appropriate for an 80 kVp x-ray beam (about 95 percent of the x-rays will be shielded). The lead apron can cause stress and pain in the back muscles; to protect back strain often a skirt style apron covering the lower abdomen is adequate.
• For fluoroscopic procedures a lead apron of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalence (0.5 mm is recommended) will reduce scattered x-rays by 95%. Additionally, a thyroid collar and leaded eye wear (or “radiation glasses”) are recommended.
• All occupational workers exposed to greater than 5 mrem/hr from fluoroscopic units must wear lead. Dose rates of greater than 5 mrem/hr can be measured within 6 feet of the table and includes where the fluoroscopist stands.
• Note: In cases where the x-ray operator steps away from the patient to turn on the beam, as in the case of a chest radiograph or mammography, a lead apron is not necessary.