X-ray technicians may potentially be exposed to high levels of radiation from the x-ray emitters with which they work. To protect themselves from harm, technicians should wear leaded eyewear and other equipment, such as aprons. The purpose of wearing protective equipment is to block the technician from exposure to high levels of radiation. Chronic exposure to radiation has been found to cause a number of health ailments, including eye cataracts and several cancers. In addition, short-term exposure to radiation can cause symptoms of radiation poisoning to occur; these symptoms include nausea, hair loss, and weakness. Wearing lead protective gear such as leaded eyewear protects x-ray technicians from dangerous levels of radiation by shielding them from incident radiation from their machines. This is because heavy metals, such as lead, absorb and scatter radiation, thus preventing it from entering the wearer's body.
Radiation glasses are not just glasses made out of lead. Instead, they are made with lead embedded in the glass of the eyewear material. Although pure lead is poisonous, radiation glasses made with lead are safe because the lead is fused into the actual materials of the eyewear. Technicians typically do not need to worry about being exposed to lead from their protective gear, because they are designed in such a way that the lead is kept separate from the wearer. However, if contact does occur, it is advisable for users should wash their hands after touching any leaded material.
Radiation glasses can be made to any prescription strength by eyeglass labs and special manufacturers. This means that eyeglass wearers can replace their ordinary glasses with leaded eyewear while working. Prescription radiation glasses protect their users from radiation while enabling them to see normally, which can be very valuable to people who do not want to or cannot wear contacts at work.
Another aspect of leaded eyewear to check for is whether or not they have side shields. Side shields work like any normal safety glasses, by protecting the wearer from radiation which comes in from the side. The shields are commonly made of plastic or glass.
It is very important to protect eyes from radiation. Since x-ray technicians are likely to be exposed to higher than ordinary levels of radiation, it is recommended that they wear protective eyewear while working. Protective materials such as protective glasses reduce the wearer's exposure to radiation on the long term and short term. Ultimately, reducing radiation exposure as much as possible is the best course of action for technicians to avoid radiation-related disorders such as radiation induced cataracts. Because eyes are particularly vulnerable to radiation, it is vital that users protect them from radiation as much as possible.
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