The Disadvantages of Lead Aprons and the Need for Innovative Protective Clothing: A Survey Study on Healthcare Workers' Opinions and Experiences

The use of state-of-the-art technical textiles instead of lead aprons is of great importance due to their lightweight, flexible, non-toxic and comfortable composition. In this study, we aimed to determine the disadvantages experienced by healthcare workers due to lead aprons and their opinions about innovative protective clothing. The survey, comprising seventeen questions, aimed to gather demographic information, design and physical properties of respondents' lead aprons, functionality, comfort, and performance of current protective clothing, and determine future design requirements. Within the scope of the research, a survey was administered to 52 radiation workers, and the results were analyzed statistically. Radiology technicians comprised nearly half of the respondents (34%), followed by physicians (25.5%) and nurses (19.1%). The most important problems encountered by the respondents during the use of lead aprons were defined as being heavy, restricting movement, and not fitting the body properly. Among the comfort descriptors, inability to move comfortably, weight and air permeability were considered "completely important" by the respondents, respectively. The study showed that 26.92% of the participants experienced complications with their lumbar spine, while 23.08% reported concerns with their cervical spine. Survey participants noted low air permeability and thermal comfort in lead aprons, making them unsuitable for various anatomical structures. To overcome these issues, technical textiles with easier shapeability and improved performance, such as mechanical properties and insulation, could be used instead.In order to overcome these disadvantages, producing and using technical textiles instead of lead aprons will provide a significant advantage.