In plain language
Across 31 mostly survey-based studies of healthcare workers, wearing lead aprons was associated with about four times the odds of musculoskeletal disorders, though evidence quality was low and cause was not established.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Meta-analysis
- Who was studied
- Mixed lab staff, Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists, Radiologic technologists
- Size
- n = 31 studies
- Topics
- Musculoskeletal injury and ergonomicsPersonal protective equipmentRegulation and policyWorkforce and careers
- Summary based on
- a web page
What it found
Pooled cross-sectional studies showed lead apron wearers had nearly four times the odds of musculoskeletal disorders compared with baseline population prevalence, with very high heterogeneity.
Key figures: Odds ratio (OR) 3.83 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 2.67-5.48, p < 0.01), I2 90 %
Thirty-one studies with 8,280 participants and over 4,500 occurrences of musculoskeletal pain were included; overall evidence quality was low.
Key figures: 31 studies; 8,280 participants
Most non-cross-sectional studies found harm from wearing lead aprons.
Key figures: 4 of 6 studies
Studies from Asian countries showed higher odds ratios than other regions.
Authors recommend ergonomic interventions, training, reduced wear times and lighter garments; a causal relationship is not fully defined.
Limits to keep in mind
Included studies were mostly cross-sectional self-report surveys of low overall quality, compared against baseline population prevalence rather than matched controls, with very high heterogeneity (I2 90%); causality is not established.
Related research summaries
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Risk of ionizing radiation in pregnancy: just a myth or a real concern? (2022, Narrative review)
- ALARA+: Summit on Radiation and Orthopedic Risks in Fluoroscopic Laboratories (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from a web page of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 5, 2026.