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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #8696 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment/Shielding — Shielding

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

In performing x-ray examinations for pediatrics, sometimes parents/guardians are required to hold the patient still. Must the parents/guardians be protected with a lead apron/gown? And why?

All persons exposed to ionizing radiation should be protected from unnecessary radiation dose. In the case of a family member (or anyone else for that matter) holding a patient for a medical x ray, a lead apron is worn to provide shielding from the scattered x rays. Since any amount of radiation dose may correspond to a small risk of health effects, the goal is to reduce the radiation dose to reduce the risk. In the United States, it is common for regulations to require that anyone in an x-ray room be behind a shield or be wearing a lead apron.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

Answer posted on 24 November 2009. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.