Lead shielding

Because of lead's density and large number of electrons, it is well suited to scattering x-rays and gamma-rays.

Lead is used for shielding in x-ray machines, nuclear power plants, labs, medical facilities, military equipment, and other places where radiation may be encountered.

Protection of the reproductive organs with a lead rubber apron is considered important because DNA changes to sperm or egg cells of the patient may pass on genetic defects to the offspring of the patient, causing serious and unnecessary hardship for child and parents.

Care should be taken to place a lead apron over the thyroid gland before taking dental radiographs.

The correct thickness of lead-equivalent (Pbeq) wear will depend on how long and how often the person is working in an exposed environment.

In a theatre using fluoroscopy (e.g. orthopaedics, cardiology or interventional radiology) 0.35 or 0.5 mm lead may be appropriate because of the higher KV employed, and on proximity to the primary beam.