In fluoroscopic examinations, personnel wear lead aprons primarily to protect themselves from what type of radiation?

In fluoroscopic examinations, personnel wear lead aprons primarily to protect themselves from Compton scatter radiation. Compton scattering occurs when an incoming photon interacts with an outer shell electron, resulting in a transfer of energy that causes the electron to be ejected and the photon to change direction with reduced energy. This scattering effect can lead to radiation exposure in areas other than the direct exposure zone, unlike primary radiation, which comes directly from the X-ray source, or characteristic radiation, which is produced by the X-ray tube itself and is less relevant in terms of scatter.

Lead aprons provide effective protection against Compton scatter, which is the most significant source of radiation exposure for personnel in a fluoroscopic setting. By absorbing both photons and sub-energies from these scattered rays, lead aprons help reduce the overall radiation dose received by staff members, thus enhancing safety in the working environment.