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Lead aprons and thyroid collars: to be, or not to be?
Andreas Engström1,2, Mats Isaksson1, Per-Anders Larsson3,4,5
1Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden.
Summary
Healthcare staff frequently experience discomfort from wearing lead aprons and thyroid collars. Most staff would not accept increased cancer risk to avoid this protective gear.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Occupational Health
- Radiological Protection
Background:
- Occupational radiation exposure has decreased, yet lead apron use has increased.
- Balancing radiation dose reduction with the physical burden of protective wear is a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate staff discomforts from prolonged lead apron and thyroid collar use.
- To assess staff willingness to tolerate increased radiation dose and cancer risk to avoid protective wear.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to healthcare staff in operating or angiography rooms.
- 245 staff members at Skaraborg Hospital in Sweden responded.
Main Results:
- 51% reported bothersome warmth, 36% fatigue, and 26% experienced aches/pain from lead aprons.
- One-third would accept 1 mSv/year dose increase to avoid lead aprons.
- Only one-fifth would tolerate the associated cancer risk increase.
Conclusions:
- Discomfort from lead aprons and thyroid collars is common among healthcare staff.
- Few staff would accept a minor increase in cancer risk to avoid wearing protective gear.
- Stakeholder involvement highlights challenges in deciding on protective equipment use.
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