How to choose your lead equivalence?
Lead equivalence is the central value of any individual radiation protection equipment. It denotes the shielding material's attenuation capacity, expressed in millimetres of lead equivalent (mm Pb). Understanding this value enables you to choose equipment suited to your actual exposure — without under-protecting or unnecessarily burdening the wearer.
The three available levels
What EN 61331-3 requires
European standard EN 61331-3 governs individual radiation protection equipment used in radiodiagnostics. It requires vérification of attenuation at several voltages (50, 70, 90, 110 and 150 kV) for each declared equivalence value. Equipment certified compliant with EN 61331-3 guarantees that its laboratory-measured performance matches the stated equivalence — regardless of material composition (lead, lead-free or lead-light).
All Well With Waves equipment is certified compliant with EN 61331-3. Technical data sheets and compliance certificates are available on request.
Lead-free vs lead-light: impact on equivalence
Lead-free materials (bismuth, barium or tungsten composites) and lead-light materials (lead and composite blend) can both be produced in all three equivalence levels. The main difference is weight at identical equivalence: lead-free materials are generally 15–25% lighter than pure lead at the same protection level.
The choice between lead-free and lead-light does not affect actual protection once EN 61331-3 tests are performed — it affects weight and wearing comfort.
Recommendations by specialty
| SPECIALTY | RECOMMENDED EQUIVALENCE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Standard radiology | 0.25 mm Pb | Moderate dose rate |
| Operating room (C-arm) | 0.35 mm Pb | Variable exposure by procedure |
| Interventional cardiology | 0.35 mm Pb | Intensive use, long procedures |
| Nuclear medicine | 0.25 mm Pb | Gamma radiation, different spectrum |
| Paediatric radiology | 0.25–0.35 mm Pb | Depending on equipment and frequency |
| Veterinary | 0.25 mm Pb | Generally moderate exposure |
These recommendations are indicative. The final equivalence should be defined with the facility's Physicist or RPC (Radiation Protection Competent Person), based on workstation analysis.
Our aprons and chasubles are available in 0.25, 0.35 and 0.50 mm Pb. Quote within 24 business hours.