North American Radiation Protection Apron Market by Type (Front Protection, Vest & Skirt, Full Wrap, Pregnancy Lead Apron), Material (Lead Apron, Light Lead Composite Apron, Lead Free Apron)- Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2023-2032

The North American radiation protection apron market size was estimated at USD 49 million in 2022 and is expected to hit around USD 95.49 million by 2032, poised to reach at a notable CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• Front protection aprons segment dominated the North American radiation protection aprons market in 2022.
• The lead aprons segment to witness the highest market share during the forecast period.
• US was the largest regional market for North American radiation protection aprons market in 2022.

North American Radiation Protection Apron Market Report Scope

The growth of the North American radiation protection aprons market is being driven by factors such as increasing number of trained radiologic technologists, increasing safety awareness, the growing number of orthopedic and spine surgeries, and growth in the number of PET/CT scans. Lead aprons are deemed no longer necessary for adult patients in dental X-ray procedures in the US is expected to restrain North American radiation protection market growth. Increasing usage of nuclear medicine & radiation therapy coupled with the rising incidence of cancer, and recommendations for cancer screening are expected to offer strong growth opportunities for players in the market. In contrast, discomfort and pain due to the weight of lead aprons, and high and growing cost of lead may challenge market growth to a certain extent. The North American radiation protection aprons market is segmented based on type, material, and country.

North American radiation protection aprons Market Dynamics

DRIVER: Increasing number of trained radiologic technologists

Trained radiologic technologists are required to effectively operate medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray and computed tomography (CT), which are widely used for diagnostic and treatment applications in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Radiologic technologists use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as clothing or other special equipment (including aprons), to protect themselves against exposure to ionizing radiations during the use of this medical imaging equipment. As a result, the growth in the number of radiologic technologists is expected to directly impact the medical radiation protection aprons market

RESTRAINT: No mandate for using lead aprons during dental x-ray procedures in the US

Conventionally, in dental clinics across the US, the use of lead aprons was mandated for patients to protect themselves from excessive radiation during dental X-ray procedures. However, according to the Center for Health Protection, Radiation Protection Services (RPS), as of 2016, lead aprons in dental are not mandatory for adult patients. Though the RPS has recommended providing lead aprons for patients who want to wear them during treatment procedures voluntarily, this policy change is expected to affect the demand for medical radiation protection aprons in dental clinics. Similarly, according to a report from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, the benefits of lead aprons for patients in dental radiography are minimal as compared to the benefits offered by E-speed films and rectangular collimation (rectangular collimation is used in dental clinics to reduce radiation doses for patients). With the availability of alternatives for lead aprons in dental clinics, the demand for adult medical radiation protection aprons is expected to decrease among these end users during the forecast period.

OPPORTUNITY: Recommendations for cancer screening

Governments in developed countries and primary care doctors recommend cancer screening tests for patients to detect cancer in the early stages and decrease the mortality rate. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at 50 years of age to 75 years of age in the US as a means of preventing disease incidence and ensuring early-stage treatment. Canada has also implemented biennial colorectal cancer screening guidelines for people aged 50–74 years.

These recommendations are expected to increase the number of tests conducted in diagnostic labs. This will drive the demand for radiation protection aprons products in the coming years.

CHALLENGE: High and growing cost of lead

Lead is the most important raw material required to manufacture radiation safety accessories such as gloves, aprons, and eyewear. However, it is extensively used for other purposes such as fire protection and manufacturing lead storage batteries. Due to its increasing use in other industries, its cost is projected to increase soon. This brings up the need to develop novel raw materials. Hence, the increasing cost of lead will challenge the North American radiation protection aprons market during the forecast period.

Some of the prominent players in the North American Radiation Protection Apron Market include:

• Infab Corporation (US)
• Bar-Ray Products (US)
• AliMed, Inc. (US)
• Burlington Medical (US)
• Shielding International, Inc. (US)
• Protech Medical (US)
• AADCO Medical, Inc. (US)
• Lite Tech (US)
• Barrier Technologies (US)
• BLOXR Solutions (US)
• Techo-Aide (US)
• Kiran (India)
• Kemper Medical, Inc. (US)
• Z&Z Medical (US)
• MXR Imaging Inc. (US)
• Wolf X-ray Corporation (US)
• Universal Medical, Inc. (US).

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2032. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the North American Radiation Protection Apron market.

By Type

• Front Protection Aprons
• Vest & Skirt Aprons
• Other Aprons

By Material

• Lead Aprons
• Light Lead Composite Aprons
• Lead-free Aprons

By Country

• US
• Canada