LEAD APRONS: TIME FOR CHANGE ???

["Lori White" <white@chipshot.net>]

Standard lead protective "aprons" used by medical radiologic technologists have not changed appreciably in many decades.  They all follow the same open-sleeve or sleeveless pattern.  Standard open-sleeve aprons offer very poor protection to the lateral breast and axillary region of women, particularly large-breasted women.  Leaded rubber does not drape well or conform to the upper female anatomy, tending to buckle-open, generally proportional to the breast size of the wearer.  Clearly, standard apron design contributes to (preventable) occupational exposure of the female breast and axillary region.  This realization, viewed in regard to conclusions of the U.S. Radiologic Technologist Health Study, 1983-1998, that increased breast cancer among female radiologic technologists may be due to occupational exposure, indicates the need for ALARA-based corrective actions in standard safety practices.  While occupational exposure of the female breast due to apron design cannot be desi

gnated the primary cause for increased incidence of breast cancer, it must be acknowledged as a contributor to study findings.



J White