The German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen discovered X-rays in 1895. The achievement earned him the Nobel Prize in 1901. The discovery and use of X-ray technology is among the most significant scientific achievements in history because of the wide-raging applications for this form of electromagnetic energy, not the least of which is life saving medical diagnostics.
After the discovery of X-ray in 1895, thousands of scientists began working with them. It became clear within just months that X-rays were highly dangerous. Stories began to pour in from scientists, inventors and physicians about burns, hair loss, disfigurations and more. The radiologist and X-ray pioneer, Elizabeth Fleischman, died of X-ray exposure in 1905.
So while doctors immediately recognized the life-saving potential of seeing inside the human body, it became clear that methods of working with X-rays safely were critical. It was soon discovered that lead was an effective X-ray blocker. That led to the development of dozens of configurations of X Ray lead shields that could be used in multiple situations.
It would still take decades before exact safety standards and proper exposure rates could be worked out, however. Much progress on this was made through the 1920s. But even as late as the 1950s, use of X-ray was surprisingly random and cavalier. For example, shoe sellers used X-rays on customers every day, and multiple times, simply to find a perfect fit of shoe!
Today producing X Ray Lead Shields is a highly developed art and major business. Think of the many potential exposure incidents we encounter for X-ray – in the dental office, at a chiropractor, getting chest X-ray or breast cancer screenings – even when you take a pet to a veterinarian. Opportunity for unwanted exposure to X-ray are many.
That’s why ongoing design innovation and the manufacturing of X-ray shielding remains important today.
