Comparison of available thicknesses with pros, cons and attenuation performance.
At 3W – Well With Waves, the performance of medical radiation-protection PPE is not limited to a displayed lead-equivalence (mmPb) value.
It relies on shielding material quality, real X-ray attenuation between 50 and 120 kV, and long-term performance stability.
Our radiation-protection equipment is designed to guarantee measured, verifiable, and durable protection performance in kV.
The materials used in our lead aprons and radiation-protection equipment are supplied exclusively by Kemmetech, an international reference in the development of flexible ionizing-radiation shielding materials.
The Kemmetech industrial process provides:
This level of industrial rigor is essential to ensure consistency between declared mmPb and real lead-apron performance.
Lead-equivalence mmPb performance is evaluated through independent broad-beam geometry testing.
These standards define performance requirements for medical radiation-protection PPE and lead protective garments used in hospitals. Testing confirms:
We provide a wide range of lead-equivalence levels (mmPb) adapted to clinical practice:
Material types
Each configuration is optimized to ensure the best balance between:
The effectiveness of a lead apron depends on three major factors:
Key factors
A high-quality material guarantees:
In a stricter regulatory environment for PPE compliance, material traceability and process robustness have become essential criteria for radiation safety officers and healthcare institutions.
At 3W, our approach is based on:
Our approach
Our equipment combines:
The value of radiation-protection equipment is not measured only by displayed mmPb, but by real X-ray attenuation performance and long-term stability.
Lead equivalence (mm Pb) indicates a garment's ability to attenuate scattered radiation. The choice depends on exposure frequency, exposure duration, and proximity to the radiation source.
Light protection / low exposure
Ability to attenuate scattered radiation in low-exposure contexts, often cited as a minimum recommended level (1).
Standard use / radiology and fluoroscopy
Intermediate level used in many clinical settings, with significant attenuation comparable to 0.5 mm in certain conditions (2).
High protection / intensive procedures
Higher thickness providing strong attenuation of scattered radiation, suited to higher-exposure environments (1).
Shielding rolls available for aprons, vests, skirts and pediatric equipment.
Lower protection level for light exposure use cases.
Great day-to-day compromise for comfort and mobility.
Reinforced protection level for more demanding exposure.
Indicative attenuation values by kV. Validate for your exact setup.
| Weight | Lead eq. | 50 kV | 70 kV | 90 kV | 110 kV | 150 kV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8-3.1 kg/m2 | 0.25 mmLE | 98.9% | 96.5% | 92.5% | 88.5% | 80.9% |
| 3.95-4.4 kg/m2 | 0.35 mmLE | 99.6% | 98.1% | 95.6% | 93.1% | 88.4% |
| 5.7-6.2 kg/m2 | 0.50 mmLE | >99.9% | 99.4% | 98.0% | 96.5% | 93.3% |
| Weight | Lead eq. | 50 kV | 70 kV | 90 kV | 110 kV | 150 kV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7-3.0 kg/m2 | 0.25 mmLE | 98.7% | 96.1% | 92.0% | 87.8% | 80.1% |
| 3.8-4.2 kg/m2 | 0.35 mmLE | 99.6% | 98.0% | 95.3% | 92.7% | 88.1% |
| 5.4-5.8 kg/m2 | 0.50 mmLE | >99.9% | 99.4% | 97.8% | 96.3% | 93.0% |
We help you choose the right thickness for your usage and constraints.
