Average Lead Apron Lifespans (and Signs It’s Time for Replacement)
Based on our observations and studies, the average lifespan of a lead apron is typically five to six years. It depends on many factors.
● Protective Material: We’ve seen lightweight lead and lead-free aprons (thinner) last three to five years, whereas traditional lead aprons (thicker) last six to ten years.
● Frequency of Use: Daily use of lead aprons requires more frequent replacement than occasional use.
● Care and Storage: Proper cleaning, sanitization, and storage practices significantly extend an apron’s lifespan.
Signs Your Lead Apron Needs to be Replaced
Regular lead apron inspections help you identify when a replacement is necessary.
● Visual and Palpation Tests (Every Six Months): Visually evaluate the outside of the garment and then use your gloved hands to feel for damage to the protective material. Document your findings.
● Yearly X-ray Scans (Radiographic Inspection): Dangerous attenuation material damage is challenging to detect with just a visual and palpation inspection, so we recommend an annual X-ray scan of your apron. Document your findings year after year.
Through proper inspection, you can further investigate signs of damage.
Protective material tears, cracks, or holes
Tears, cracks, or holes in the attenuation are the most dangerous form of damage to lead aprons. These are easiest to discover through X-ray scanning.
K. Lambert and T. McKeon performed a study to establish stringent rejection criteria for lead aprons. They calculated potential dose increases over two critical organs: the thyroid and gonads.
Their findings suggest aprons should be replaced when defects exceed:
● 15 mm² when over critical organs (thyroid and gonads)
● 670 mm² when along the seams, in overlapped areas, or on the back
● 11 mm² for thyroid shields
Frayed Nylon
The outside layer of a lead apron is most often made of nylon. Frayed nylon could be a sign of lead shifting or pooling inside the apron and should be investigated further.
It is possible to repair frayed nylon when it’s found on the edge of a garment; otherwise, if found in other areas of the garment, you will compromise the protective material if attempting to sew through it.
Failing Velcro
Damaged or aging Velcro fails to secure the apron in place. An improperly fitting apron risks radiation exposure and is uncomfortable for the user.
We’ve seen people try to use duct tape or binder clips to hold aprons in place when Velcro frays. This method adds stress to other areas of the garment, making it less effective and fit poorly.
Improper Fit
Your apron must fit well to provide adequate protection. Radiation exposure can occur when the apron is too large or small, especially in the armpit and chest area.
Many years ago, I worked with a customer who lost weight, creating gaping in the armpit area of their apron. They were worried about radiation exposure to their lymph nodes over time and smartly decided to purchase a new, better-fitting garment. It’s not wise to neglect your safety with an ill-fitting apron simply out of convenience.
What the Science Says about Apron Replacement
A study done by Mitsumasa Matsuda and Toshiyasu Suzuki found that many internal defects in lead aprons that were not visible through visual and palpation tests were severe enough to warrant replacement.
They inspected 35 lead aprons used in operating rooms. The results were:
● 14 aprons needed to be replaced; all were six or more years old
● Although these aprons showed no signs of damage through visual inspection, an X-ray scan revealed notable damage to their protective material.
● The shoulder area of older aprons deteriorated quickly due to the weight of regularly wearing lead aprons along with the force of gravity due to hanging the lead aprons by the shoulders.
Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Apron?
As mentioned earlier, the average lead apron lasts five to six years. Fortunately, extending an apron’s lifetime is possible when proper inspection and maintenance are instituted from the start:
● Regular Inspections: Start visual and X-ray inspections from the time of purchase to track wear and tear.
● Cleaning and Sanitization: Use approved wipes for daily cleaning and perform quarterly deep cleaning & sanitization.
● Proper Storage: Hang lead aprons on sturdy hangers or hooks by both shoulders and avoid folding or creasing them to prevent damage to the protective material.
Can You Repair a Damaged Apron?
Routine cosmetic repairs can extend the lifespan of your apron. Typical repairs include removing stains and fixing broken buckles, hanging straps, ripped trim and failing Velcro.
We offer complimentary repairs to address these issues and ensure a proper fit for continued safety.
Cracks, tears, or holes in the protective material are not repairable without further compromising the garment’s safety.
Time to replace? Here’s How to Dispose
X-ray garments have historically contained heavy metals, including lead, which is on the Toxic Substances List under the Environment Protection Act Registry. Traditional lead aprons should not be disposed of as conventional garbage but as hazardous waste. When disposed of improperly, such materials pose contamination concerns for the environment.
If you need help disposing of your lead aprons, RCS can help. Our EPA-approved disposal program provides a quick, easy, and responsible option for retiring your garments. We simplify the process by helping with shipping labels, totes, boxes, and other needs.
Contact RCS Today
Knowing when to repair or replace lead aprons is crucial to maintaining safety standards for all who wear them.
Our services provides one place for all your lead garment needs, including inspection, cleaning and sanitization, repairs, disposal, and sourcing new garments and equipment.
