What lead thickness equivalence is required for protective gloves?

• A. 0.15 mm lead (Pb)
• B. 0.25 mm lead (Pb)
• C. 0.35 mm lead (Pb)
• D. 0.50 mm lead (Pb)

Answer: (B)

Lead equivalence tells you how much a shield can attenuate X-rays, expressed as a thickness of lead. Protective gloves used during radiology procedures are meant to reduce dose to the hands without making the hands too unweildy. For these gloves, a standard shielding level is about 0.25 mm of lead equivalence. This thickness provides meaningful attenuation against scattered X-rays at typical diagnostic energies while keeping the gloves flexible enough for delicate handwork.

If the glove were thinner, like 0.15 mm, the hands would receive more scatter exposure. If it were thicker, such as 0.35 or 0.50 mm, protection would increase but dexterity and tactile feel would be noticeably reduced, and that extra protection isn’t typically necessary for routine use. So, 0.25 mm Pb equivalence is the most appropriate and commonly specified level for protective gloves.