What Can a Healthcare Professional Do to Limit Their Exposure to Radiation?

Clinicians working near imaging or radiation therapy equipment are routinely exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation, which can accumulate and potentially lead to health issues such as cataracts or thyroid concerns. But, what can a healthcare professional do to limit their exposure to radiation? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about radiation and how to keep yourself and your team safe.

At Barrier Technologies, we provide high-performance radiation protection apparel and equipment designed to support safe workflows in radiology, interventional suites, CT rooms, and more. Our solutions empower healthcare teams to reduce exposure through practical shielding strategies and ALARA‑compliant best practices.

 

Why Radiation Protection Matters

Repeated radiation exposure, even at low levels, may result in cumulative risks over time. Exposure can increase the likelihood of visual impairment, thyroid dysfunction, or secondary malignancies. To mitigate these dangers, institutions follow ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocols that emphasize reducing exposure time, increasing distance from sources, and utilizing shielding consistently.

 

What Can a Healthcare Professional Do to Limit Their Exposure to Radiation? Core Strategies Explained

So, what can a healthcare professional do to limit their exposure to radiation? The CDC recommends measurable controls and protective equipment to minimize occupational radiation exposure. For teams working closely with imaging hardware or during radiotherapy administration, barrier strategies and proper positioning play key roles in safety. Here are the protocols recommended:

 

1. Minimize Exposure Time

One of the most effective ways to reduce radiation dose is to simply limit the amount of time spent near the source. This principle is foundational in radiation safety. Whether you’re assisting with a fluoroscopy procedure, operating near a CT scanner, or reviewing imaging results in the procedure room, reducing your proximity time directly decreases your cumulative radiation exposure.

Every second near active equipment adds to the occupational dose. That’s why efficient workflow planning, quick yet accurate image acquisition, and organized room protocols are essential. When procedures are prolonged or complex, rotating staff or assigning roles that reduce repetitive exposure can also help spread and lower individual doses over time.

 

2. Maximize Distance from Radiation Sources

Radiation exposure decreases sharply the further you are from the source, a concept known as the inverse square law. This principle states that when you double your distance from a radiation source, your exposure is reduced to one-quarter of its original intensity. It’s a simple but powerful method of minimizing risk that requires no special equipment, just awareness and spatial planning.

In practice, healthcare professionals can apply this by stepping away from the patient during beam activation, using positioning tools or remote controls, and avoiding unnecessary proximity during imaging. For procedures where close interaction is required, consider rotating responsibilities to distribute exposure more evenly among staff. Even small adjustments in positioning can make a substantial difference in overall radiation dose over time.

 

3. Employ Proper Shielding

Use high-quality radiation protection equipment at all times:

• Lead aprons for torso protection
• Thyroid shield collars to protect sensitive glands
• Lead glasses for ocular safety
• Lead gloves when hands are near radiation

Shielding materials, especially quality lead composites, help block or attenuate scatter radiation before it reaches clinicians.

 

Environment‑Based Shielding Measures

Shielding extends beyond personal apparel. Clinical spaces benefit from:

• Mobile lead shields placed between the radiation source and staff
• Use of X‑ray pads on tables or floors to attenuate scattered rays
• Installing CT protection shields near machines to reduce stray exposure in scanning rooms

Combined with proper alignment and shielding protocols, these tools help minimize exposure to all personnel in the environment.

 

The Role of Positioning in Radiation Safety

Precise patient positioning improves treatment accuracy and reduces unnecessary radiation scatter. Fixed positioning devices, laser alignment, and immobilization tools help maintain consistency across sessions, avoiding repeated exposures that could occur from misalignment. For healthcare teams, it means fewer exposures overall, especially when used in conjunction with mobile barriers and portable shielding.

 

Understanding Exposure: What Can’t Be Avoided?

Some exposure is unavoidable in diagnostic and interventional work. However, understanding where exposure occurs and how it’s reduced helps manage it:

• Scatter radiation: occurs outside the primary beam and can be mitigated via apron and shield use
• Peak exposures: occur during table-side procedures or high-dose fluoroscopy
• Cumulative exposure: results from frequent procedures without interruption

Strategic shifts between staff members, consistent use of shielding, and regular exposure monitoring help prevent unintended dose accumulation.

 

Radiation Monitoring and Protocol Compliance

Facilities should use exposure badges or dosimetry to monitor cumulative dose for staff. Monthly exposure reports help ensure no one exceeds recommended limits. Training programs should educate teams about equipment settings, exit angles from radiation zones, and proper shield use.

Combined with quality radiation protection apparel and testable compliance protocols, these steps fortify workplace safety.

 

Common Misconceptions and What Really Helps

Despite popular belief, no food, supplement, or gadget removes radiation from the body after exposure. The truth is that protecting oneself before or during exposure is the only reliable method of limiting cumulative risk. “Radiation detox” is not medically supported – shielding, time avoidance, distance, and credentialed exposure tracking are trusted and effective.

 

How Barrier Technologies Supports Safer Practices

Barrier Technologies offers solutions designed to meet the everyday challenges of radiation exposure in clinical settings:

• Ergonomic and certified lead apron options for various lead equivalency levels
• Low-profile thyroid collars designed for clinician and patient comfort
• Clear, lightweight lead glasses suitable for extended use, available with prescriptions
• Hand protection with lead gloves engineered for interventional use
• Portable mobile shields for flexible placement during imaging
• Specialty shields for CT, fluoroscopy, and radiology labs

Built for practicality and built to code, our product line supports safety culture and protective compliance across diverse healthcare environments. We use the latest, state-of-the-art radiation shielding materials, including lead and tungsten, among others, in all of our radiation protection apparel.

 

Sustaining Safety Through Prevention

Radiation exposure is an occupational reality for many healthcare professionals. Yet most long-term effects, from cataracts to thyroid issues, can be prevented with consistent protective practice. By asking “what can a healthcare professional do to limit their exposure to radiation?” and applying focused strategies, clinical teams can maintain safety without interrupting patient care.

Barrier Technologies provides the proven shielding tools and safety solutions necessary for this mission. For product details or to place an order, visit our ready-to-go x-ray aprons page or contact us today.