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Lead Aprons and Protective Apparel: Lead Equivalence and Care
Aprons need at least 0.25 mm Pb, usually 0.5 mm in fluoro. They stop scatter, not the primary beam. Image them yearly and hang, never fold.
Lead equivalence
Protective apparel is rated by lead equivalence: the thickness of pure lead that would attenuate the beam by the same amount. NCRP Report 102 sets 0.25 mm Pb as the minimum for aprons and gloves. Most fluoroscopy aprons are 0.5 mm Pb, and thyroid shields are usually 0.5 mm Pb too. Leaded glasses, commonly 0.75 mm Pb in front with side shields, protect the lenses during long fluoroscopy and interventional cases. A wraparound apron covers the back as well as the front, so wear one if you turn away from the table during a case. A front-only apron protects you only while you face the patient.