Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
09:54
Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 1. Biosafety Level 4 Suit Laboratory Suite Entry and Exit Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
37.2K
Lead Aprons Are a Lead Exposure Hazard
Kevin M Burns1, Jamie M Shoag2, Sukhraj S Kahlon3
1Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|January 14, 2017
Summary
Sixty-three percent of lead-containing shields tested had detectable surface lead dust. This finding highlights shields as a potential widespread source of lead exposure in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Lead shielding is commonly used in healthcare to protect patients and staff from ionizing radiation.
- The potential for surface contamination of lead shields with lead dust has not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of lead dust on the external surfaces of lead-containing shields.
- To identify factors associated with lead dust contamination on these shields.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzed 172 lead shields using qualitative rapid on-site tests and quantitative dust wipe analysis via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).
- Statistical analysis (chi-squared test) explored associations between lead dust presence and shield characteristics like age, type, thickness, storage, and appearance.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three percent of shields showed detectable surface lead by FAAS, with levels up to 998 μg/ft².
- Lead dust presence was significantly associated with poorer visual appearance, specific shield types (pediatric, full-body, thyroid), and storage methods (not on hangers).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of lead-containing shields are contaminated with surface lead dust.
- Visual appearance, shield type, and storage method are key factors influencing contamination.
- Lead-containing shields represent a newly identified, potentially widespread source of lead exposure in the healthcare industry.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Personal Protective Equipment
2.4K
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is unique clothing or equipment worn by an employee to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious agents. PPE creates a barrier between the employee and the infectious materials. PPE must be readily available in the patient care area. PPE includes gloves, gowns and aprons, masks and respirators, goggles, face shields, shoes, and headcovers:
2.4K
01:22PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
1.8K
Donning PPE must be completed before contact with the patient. This process protects from infectious agents. The sequence and action included in each donning are critical, and the steps must be systematic to avoid exposure to pathogens. The institutional policy also needs to be followed while donning PPE. The pre-donning preparations are gathering equipment, inspecting the PPE equipment for tears, holes, or damage, removing jewelry, removing any garments below the elbows, and tying the hair...
1.8K
01:26Standard Precaution
3.3K
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
3.3K
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
1.7K
The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.
1.7K
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
2.1K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
2.1K
01:28Survey Safety
444
Surveying near highways, rough terrain, or power lines involves significant risks. Working along highways is particularly dangerous and requires the use of warning signs and flagmen. It is safest to avoid working directly on roads and use offsets whenever possible. When highway work is unavoidable, it must follow all safety guidelines. Surveyors should wear bright clothing, such as orange reflective vests, to ensure visibility to motorists, coworkers, and hunters. In construction zones, wearing...
444