A radiation apron recall can have serious implications for healthcare facilities, imaging centers, and interventional practices. Radiation protection garments are designed to shield clinicians and staff from unnecessary exposure, but if a garment’s protective material begins to degrade, that protection may be compromised without any obvious warning signs. Recent recall notices involving radiation protection apparel have highlighted the importance of regular inspections, proper recordkeeping, and prompt action whenever a recall is announced.
At Barrier Technologies, we are committed to helping healthcare organizations maintain the highest standards of radiation safety. Through high-quality radiation protection apparel and shielding solutions, we help facilities protect staff, support compliance efforts, and respond quickly to evolving industry requirements. Understanding how recalls work, and knowing what steps to take if your protective equipment is affected, is an important part of any radiation safety program.
A radiation protection garment recall occurs when a manufacturer identifies a potential issue that could affect a garment’s ability to provide adequate radiation attenuation. Recent recalls have involved certain radiation protection garments, including aprons, thyroid shields, and other wearable shielding products, due to concerns about material degradation that may reduce protective performance over time.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the recent recall involves, how to determine whether your garments are affected, what actions your facility should take, and how ongoing inspection and replacement programs help maintain staff safety.
What Is the 2026 Radiation Protection Garment Recall?
The radiation protection garment recall 2026 that has attracted attention throughout the healthcare industry involves a voluntary recall issued by Burlington Medical in February 2026. According to the company’s notification, certain radiation protection garments manufactured between January 16, 2025, and January 21, 2026, may experience attenuation degradation over time due to a material modification that was implemented and later discontinued.
The concern is not necessarily that every garment will fail immediately. Rather, Burlington Medical reported that certain garments manufactured during the specified period may not maintain their intended level of radiation attenuation throughout their expected lifespan. The company further noted that some damage may not be visible during routine visual inspections and may only be detected through X-ray or fluoroscopic testing.
The affected product categories include:
| Product Category | Potential Concern |
| Non-lead Thyroid Shields | Attenuation degradation |
| Vests and Kilts | Reduced shielding performance |
| Frontal Aprons | Potential material deterioration |
| Wrap Aprons | Reduced attenuation effectiveness |
| Protective Sleeves | Material degradation over time |
| Head Caps and Leg Wraps | Reduced shielding lifespan |
| Other Wearable Products | Potential attenuation concerns |
According to the notice, these products were manufactured using Xenolite 800 protective material during the affected production period. Burlington Medical instructed customers to remove affected garments from service and begin the recall verification process.
For the latest information regarding the lead apron recall list or any x-ray apron recall FDA updates, healthcare facilities should consult official manufacturer notices and FDA recall resources.
How to Check If Your Radiation Apron Is on the Recall List
One of the most common questions facilities ask is:
How Do I Know if My Radiation Apron Is Recalled?
The quickest way to determine whether a garment is affected by a recall is to locate the product label, identify the manufacturing information, and compare those details against the recall notice issued by the manufacturer.
Locate the Product Label
Most radiation protection garments include a label containing critical product information such as the manufacturer, model number, manufacturing date, and product identification details.
According to Burlington Medical, labels on affected garments may be located in the lower front outer panel, side seam, or inside side seam depending on the garment’s manufacturing date.
Verify Manufacturing Information
Once you’ve located the label, review:
- Manufacturer name
- Product model
- Manufacturing date
- Product number
- Serial number (if applicable)
Compare this information against the recall documentation provided by the manufacturer.
Contact the Manufacturer
If your garment’s label is damaged or unreadable, contact the manufacturer or distributor directly. Many suppliers maintain production records that can help identify whether a garment falls within an affected production range.
Quick Check
If your facility purchased Burlington Medical non-lead radiation protection garments manufactured between January 2025 and January 2026, stop using those garments until their recall status has been verified.
Your Garment Is on the Recall List: Here’s Your Action Plan
Discovering that a garment is affected by a radiation apron recall can be concerning, but following a structured response plan can help protect staff while maintaining compliance.
1. Remove the Garment from Service
The first step is to stop using the garment immediately. Continuing to use a recalled product could expose clinicians to unnecessary radiation if attenuation performance has been compromised.
2. Tag and Quarantine the Product
Clearly label the garment as recalled and remove it from active inventory. Store it separately from approved radiation protection apparel to prevent accidental use.
3. Document Product Information
Record all available information, including:
- Product type
- Manufacturer
- Manufacturing date
- Product number
- Purchase date
- Vendor information
Maintaining accurate documentation can simplify the replacement process.
4. Notify Your Radiation Safety Team
Inform your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), imaging manager, or compliance team. These individuals can coordinate internal communications and ensure all affected products are identified.
5. Contact the Manufacturer
According to Burlington Medical’s notice, affected garments should be returned for proper disposal and replacement. The company states that replacement garments will be provided at no cost.
6. Arrange Replacement Protection
Healthcare staff should never be left without appropriate radiation protection. Facilities should have contingency plans in place to provide replacement apparel while recalled products are being processed.
Your Garment Isn’t Recalled: But Here’s What to Check Anyway
A garment that isn’t included on a recall list isn’t automatically free from defects or wear-related damage. Over time, radiation protection apparel experiences stress from daily use, transportation, cleaning, and storage.
Regular inspection remains essential regardless of recall status.
Visual Inspection
When performing a visual inspection, look out for:
| Warning Sign | Possible Cause |
| Cracks | Internal shielding breakdown |
| Bubbling | Separation of protective layers |
| Delamination | Material deterioration |
| Visible Tears | Reduced protective performance |
| Permanent Creases | Repeated stress or improper storage |
| Uneven Surface | Material shifting or damage |
Any of these signs may indicate internal damage to the protective material.
Schedule Fluoroscopic Inspection
Visual inspections alone cannot detect all forms of degradation. Annual fluoroscopic or radiographic inspections help identify internal damage that may not be visible externally.
Review Storage Practices
Improper storage is one of the most common causes of garment deterioration.
Best practices include:
- Hanging aprons properly
- Avoiding excessive folding
- Protecting garments from moisture
- Limiting UV exposure
- Following manufacturer storage recommendations
Establish Inspection Schedules
Facilities should document annual inspections and maintain inspection records for compliance purposes.
Why Radiation Protection Garments Fail Over Time
Even high-quality radiation protection apparel has a finite lifespan.
Repeated bending, folding, and daily wear can place stress on shielding materials. Over time, this may lead to cracking, delamination, or reduced attenuation performance.
Lead-free and composite materials can also experience degradation if subjected to excessive heat, improper storage, or manufacturing defects.
Several factors contribute to garment failure:
- Frequent use
- Improper storage
- Physical damage
- Material aging
- Manufacturing defects
- Exposure to harsh environmental conditions
This is why routine inspections remain one of the most effective ways to identify potential issues before they impact worker safety.
Supporting Long-Term Radiation Safety
While recalls often focus attention on specific products or manufacturers, they also highlight the importance of a proactive radiation safety program. Healthcare facilities should regularly evaluate the condition of their radiation protection apparel, maintain inspection records, and ensure staff have access to high-quality protective equipment that meets current performance standards.
At Barrier Technologies, we work with hospitals, imaging centers, and specialty practices to help support long-term radiation safety through durable radiation protection apparel and shielding solutions. From lead aprons and thyroid collars to lead glasses, lead gloves, and mobile shielding systems, our products are designed to help facilities maintain protection, compliance, and confidence in their radiation safety programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Use a Recalled Radiation Apron?
A recalled radiation apron may not provide the level of attenuation originally intended by the manufacturer. This could increase occupational radiation exposure for clinicians who rely on the garment during imaging or interventional procedures.
How Long Does a Radiation Protection Garment Last?
The lifespan of a radiation protection garment depends on its construction, usage frequency, storage conditions, and inspection history. Many facilities inspect garments annually and replace them when significant damage or attenuation degradation is identified.
Who Is Responsible for Recalling Radiation Aprons?
Recalls may be initiated voluntarily by manufacturers or in coordination with regulatory agencies. Manufacturers typically investigate reported issues and notify customers when corrective action is necessary.
Are Lead-Free Radiation Aprons Included in the 2026 Recall?
Yes. The Burlington Medical recall specifically involves certain non-lead radiation protection garments manufactured during the affected production period.
Stay Protected: Next Steps for Your Facility
Radiation protection garment recalls serve as an important reminder that ongoing inspection and maintenance are essential components of any radiation safety program.
Key takeaways include:
- Verify whether your products appear on any current recall notifications.
- Remove affected garments from service immediately.
- Maintain routine inspection and documentation programs.
- Replace damaged or recalled products promptly.
- Ensure staff always have access to appropriate radiation protection apparel.
At Barrier Technologies, we help healthcare facilities maintain safe working environments through high-performance radiation protection solutions. Whether you’re replacing recalled products or upgrading existing inventory, our extensive product line includes radiation protection aprons, thyroid collars, lead glasses, lead gloves, mobile shielding systems, CT protection shields, and other radiation safety solutions designed for modern clinical environments.
If your facility is evaluating replacement options following a radiation apron recall, contact Barrier Technologies to learn more about our customizable radiation protection apparel and shielding products. Our team can help you identify the right solution for your staff while supporting your long-term radiation safety goals.
