What Is Non-Lead PB And Lead PB-Free Shielding?

Shielding is a crucial component of radiation safety in healthcare. X-rays, fluoroscopy, and C-arms used in radiology and interventional surgery emit ionizing radiation that can become harmful to healthcare workers who are frequently

Lead is one of the most common shielding materials used in personal protective equipment (PPE), such as aprons and thyroid collars, because it has a high density that can slow and absorb X-rays and gamma rays before they reach the wearer’s body. 

However, lead isn’t the only material that can help. You may also see non lead shielding materials and lead free shielding materials available from top manufacturers.

What is it? We’ll provide everything you need to know about the different radiation shielding materials in the rest of this article to help you choose the appropriate PPE for your needs.

Introduction To Radiation Shielding In Medical Imaging

As mentioned, clinicians in radiology are frequently exposed to radiation while using equipment like C-arms and fluoroscopy. The FDA states that fluoroscopy emits relatively high radiation doses, and research from AORN found that the average C-arm emits 2 rem (20 mSv) of radiation per minute. 

As a result, regular exposure during procedures without the proper radiation protection poses safety risks for healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that regular occupational exposure can lead to health risks such as cancer, tissue damage, and organ damage.

Fortunately, wearing X-ray shielding like lead aprons significantly reduces exposure levels. A study from the Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma found that a 0.5 mm lead apron can attenuate up to 99% of radiation. 

Additionally, other non-lead materials are gaining popularity in medical settings. Lead-free aprons in radiology offer an alternative that still slows and absorbs radiation while often being lighter than traditional lead aprons.

What Is PB Shielding? 

PB is the chemical symbol for lead, so the term “PB shielding” refers to traditional lead shielding, such as a lead apron. PB shielding contains a dense internal lead layer that slows and absorbs X-rays and gamma rays. 

Lead garments are designed to cover crucial organs that are highly sensitive to radiation, effectively protecting the wearer during exposure. For instance, a lead apron would shield essential organs like the breasts, lungs, heart, and gonads. 

What Is Lead-Free Shielding?

Lead-free shielding, also referred to as non-lead or PB-free, is PPE that doesn’t contain any lead and instead uses alternative materials that still have a high density capable of slowing and absorbing X-rays and gamma rays emitted by medical equipment. 

A study from the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering listed several alternative materials with a growing body of research, such as: 

• Antimony

• Tungsten

• Tin

• Bismuth

• Barium

These materials are often lighter than lead. For example, a study published in the Journal of Radiation Physics and Chemistry noted that lead-free aprons consisting of barium and tungsten are typically 13-25% lighter than traditional lead aprons. 

A study in 2022 reported that some clinicians experience fatigue and physical strain after wearing lead aprons for extended durations. Therefore, having options that can reduce the weight of PPE is helpful during long procedures and shifts. 

What Is The Difference: Lead-Free Apron Vs Lead Apron

In addition to the reduced weight of lead-free aprons, there are several other differences you should consider when selecting PPE, including: 

• Effectiveness at different energy levels: A study from the European Journal of Radiology found that lead-free aprons performed similarly to lead aprons at low intensities below 90 kVp. However, when intensities increased above 90 kVp, conventional lead performed slightly better. Therefore, the type of procedure may affect which material is the better fit. 

• Environmental impact: Non-lead garments tend to be more environmentally friendly, which makes disposal easier at the end of their lifespan. However, you can still find ways to safely dispose of lead PPE following the EPA’s regulations. We provide garment disposal services at RCS that can help you manage it efficiently. 

• Price: Lead-free apron prices are usually higher than traditional lead aprons, so you’ll need to review options from different manufacturers to determine what works best for your budget. 

What Are The Three Types Of Shielding? 

The three primary types of radiation shielding are lead, lead-free, and lightweight lead. 

Lead is the heaviest of these options, but it has high effectiveness rates and is generally the most cost-effective option. 

Lead-free aprons are lighter and more environmentally friendly, but typically cost more. 

Lightweight lead shielding is made of composites that combine lead with other alternative materials to create lighter overall garments. They can help reduce weight, but are also more expensive, similar to lead-free options. 

The study from the European Journal of Radiology also assessed the effectiveness of lightweight lead aprons. The findings showed that they performed similarly to traditional lead at intensities below 90 kVp, but traditional lead still performed better at higher intensities. 

Clinical Considerations When Choosing Shielding

A study from the Radiation Safety Journal of Health Physics stressed the importance of consulting a radiation safety officer (RSO) when making safety decisions. Therefore, it’s important to discuss the different shielding options with your RSO to determine what works best for your facility. 

The RSO will typically review several factors to determine the appropriate PPE and materials, such as: 

• Procedure intensities and durations

• Clinician exposure frequency

• Rates of fatigue reported

• Manufacturer testing results for different materials

The Importance Of Garment Maintenance

In addition to selecting the appropriate garments and materials for procedures, you also must maintain PPE to ensure it performs at its best and keeps healthcare workers and patients safe. 

PPE will accumulate wear and tear over its lifespan, and it can get out of control quickly.

Research from the Journal of Health Physics showed that small tears in lead aprons could increase by up to 270% in 10 months. Significant cracks, holes, or tears can affect how garments fit and reduce their effectiveness. We recommend performing annual inspections using X-ray scanning to identify damage early. 

High-touch objects, such as protective garments, also have high contamination rates when they aren’t properly cleaned. 

A study by Dr. Jaber of Wayne State found that 84% of aprons analyzed were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (ringworm). AORN recommends quarterly deep cleaning and disinfection for high-touch objects to remove harmful microorganisms and prevent the spread of infections. 

Conclusion: The Future Of Non-Lead PB And PB-Free Shielding

Overall, both lead and lead-free shielding offer pros and cons. Research on different shielding materials is ongoing, so it’s important to review current data, your facility’s needs, and consult with your RSO to make effective decisions for radiation safety. 

How We Can Help At RCS

We’re here to help you manage your PPE effectively at Radiological Care Services (RCS). We can help you source garments like lead aprons, vests, skirts, thyroid collars, and glasses from top manufacturers to ensure your facility is using high-quality PPE. 

Additionally, we offer several services to maintain your garments for safety and effectiveness, including: 

• Deep cleaning and disinfection

• Annual inspections using X-ray scanning

• Garment repairs

• Garment disposal

• Inventory management with our RADCOMPLY™ software

Contact us today to learn more about how our services at RCS can make a difference for you.