Why do x-ray technicians wear lead aprons?

X-ray technicians wear lead aprons to protect themselves from the harmful effects of X-ray radiation. X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light or microwaves, but with much higher energy. This high energy allows X-rays to pass through most objects, including the human body. However, some materials, such as lead, are very effective at absorbing X-rays.

When X-rays interact with matter, they can damage cells and DNA, which can lead to a number of health problems, including cancer. The amount of damage caused by X-rays depends on the dose, which is the amount of radiation absorbed by the body. The higher the dose, the greater the risk of damage.

Lead aprons are designed to block X-rays and protect the body from radiation exposure. Lead is a very dense material, and its high atomic number means that it is very effective at absorbing X-rays. Lead aprons are typically made of several layers of lead, and they can provide up to 99% protection from X-ray radiation.

X-ray technicians wear lead aprons whenever they are working with X-rays, and they take other precautions to minimize their exposure to radiation, such as standing behind lead shields and using remote controls to operate X-ray machines. By taking these precautions, x-ray technicians can help to protect themselves from the harmful effects of X-ray radiation.