How do you protect yourself from x rays?

In everyday life, there is no need to take special precautions against x-rays.

If you are getting a dental x-ray be sure to wear the apron shield that the dental technician will give you. Even though it is called a "lead apron," it is loaded with tin to block x-rays.

If you doctor suggests that you have a medical x-ray and you have had the same area x-rayed in the recent past, tell the doctor and help her determine whether the older x-ray will provide the information needed.

If you are working with an x-ray producing machine, follow the established protective procedures, avoid shortcuts, and maximize your distance from the x-ray machine when it is emitting x-rays. Use shielding (usually lead, tin or plastic) and work practices as specified by your radiation safety officer.

In general, if you work with a source of x-rays, minimize your time of exposure, maximized your distance from the x-ray source, use appropriate shielding