Surface Lead Dust Contamination on Personal Radiation Protection Apparel: A Qualitative Survey.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination on RPAs in our department and compare findings with other studies of RPA lead-dust contamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey of RPAs was conducted between June and December 2021 in radiology departments at a tertiary care University hospital. A convenience sample of RPAs located on wall-mounted racks outside the angiography suite and emergency department was surveyed. Surface lead-dust on RPAs was detected by a rapid qualitative test.

RESULTS: The 69 RPAs included full frontal lead aprons (n = 11), lead aprons (n = 25), with thyroid collars (n = 25) and thyroid collars alone (n = 8). Garments consisted mainly of a lead/antimony composite core with a 0.5 mm lead equivalency. One RPA failed radiological quality inspection and eight garments were in poor or worn condition. The overall prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination on RPAs was 60.9% (95% CI: 49.1%, 71.5%) and was significantly (P = 0.0035) higher on thyroid collars [78.8% (95% CI; 62.2%, 89.3%)] than on lead aprons [44.4% (95% CI: 29.5%, 60.4%)].

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of surface lead-dust contamination was detected on RPAs using a rapid qualitative test. There is currently no established safe level of lead and these findings suggest RPAs be monitored frequently not only for physical defects limiting radiation protection but also for lead-dust contamination.