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Workers should take steps to mitigate surface lead exposure when using lead-containing personal protective equipment

Monique N Mayer¹, Sally L Sukut¹, Barry Blakley²

¹Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : the Official Journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association

|October 12, 2021

Summary

Surface lead on veterinary radiation shielding poses a hazard. Aprons, thyroid collars, and gloves showed varying lead levels, with collars and gloves having higher surface lead. Proper handling and hygiene are recommended.

Area of Science:

Veterinary Radiology
Occupational Health
Radiation Protection

Background:

Veterinary workers utilize lead shielding during diagnostic imaging to mitigate ionizing radiation exposure.
Surface lead on shielding materials has been identified as a potential occupational exposure risk.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify surface lead levels on lead-containing shielding used in veterinary settings.
To identify risk factors associated with surface lead accumulation on veterinary radiation shielding.

Main Methods:

A prospective, analytical, descriptive study was conducted.
Surface lead was measured on 54 shielding items using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Shielding items included aprons, thyroid collars, and gloves from veterinary teaching hospital radiology areas.

Main Results:

Median surface lead levels varied: aprons (3.6 μg/dm²), thyroid collars (23.1 μg/dm²), and gloves (134 μg/dm²).
Thyroid collars and gloves exhibited significantly higher mean surface lead than aprons.
Shielding in poorer condition had higher mean surface lead compared to shielding in better condition.

Conclusions:

Lead shielding is effective for radiation protection, but surface lead accumulation presents a hazard.
Employers should educate veterinary workers on this hazard and implement mitigation strategies.
Recommended mitigation includes using disposable gloves and practicing hand hygiene after handling lead shielding.

Keywords:

hazard ionizing radiation radiation safety surface lead

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