Inspection of lead aprons damage and evaluation of transmission rate with a 99mTc point-source

The intent was to inspect the damage to lead aprons worn by radiation practitioners and experimentally measure the relative transmission rates for undamaged and damaged aprons.Fluoroscopy and X-ray scans were made for 281 lead aprons collected from various departments of a large-capacity hospital. Dose rate measurements were obtained using an ionization chamber detector and 99m Tc point source. The transmission rates of the undamaged and damaged aprons were calculated and statistically evaluated. Big tears and crack, besides unknown ones named type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4. Only 14.5 % aprons were counted as damaged and 32 % were used in the operation room unit. The transmission rate of the undamaged aprons was determined as 50.88 %. The transmission rates calculated for Big tears, cracks, type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4 damages were 91.30 %, 62.75 %, 53.22 %, 58.10 %, 57.88 %, and 55.54 %, respectively. The study revealed that aside from common damages like tears and cracks, various damages and defects may significantly affect radiation transmission. This is to conclude that periodic fluoroscopy and X-ray scans are essential to explore such invisible damages and enhance radiation protection among radiation workers. Future studies are recommended to investigate preventive measures for apron damage.