Market Trends of Radiation Protection Apron Industry
The Front Protection Aprons Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market.
A front protection apron is an apron that is used to protect the wearer from hazardous radiation. Front protection aprons are a major fraction of the preventive measures used against the harmful effects of radiation.
As medical imaging and interventional procedures continue to rise globally, there is a growing need for radiation protection for healthcare workers and patients. Front protection radiation aprons are crucial in shielding against harmful radiation during such procedures. For instance, The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in its October 2022 article on Radiation in Healthcare, reported that various imaging procedures, such as CT scans, bone density scans, mammograms, fluoroscopy, and X-rays, are the most commonly used form of diagnostics, which might help provide information on whether surgery would be a better treatment option or can help guide medical procedures to place catheters, stents, or other devices inside the body.
Growing awareness among healthcare professionals about the long-term risks associated with radiation exposure has led to greater adoption of protective measures, such as wearing radiation aprons. This awareness has also extended to patients who are more informed and concerned about their safety during medical procedures. For instance, according to the article published in the Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare in December 2023, enhancing radiation protection awareness is crucial for upholding safety in healthcare settings. This study delved into the awareness levels and understanding of typical radiologic examination protection among physicians, radiography students, radiology technologists, and medical students at a prominent tertiary care hospital. Thus, significant understanding and awareness of radiation protection are expected to increase the demand for front radiation protection aprons, thereby boosting the segment's growth during the forecast period.
Thus, the radiation protection apron market is expected to grow significantly owing to the rising demand for medical imaging procedures and a significant level of awareness of protection against radiation.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period
North America holds a significant share in radiation protection aprons owing to factors such as increasing radiology diagnosis and strategic activities by the market players.
North America is witnessing a surge in medical imaging and interventional procedures, underscoring the increasing demand for radiation protection among healthcare workers and patients. Radiation aprons are pivotal in safeguarding individuals from the harmful effects of radiation during these procedures. For instance, according to the Canadian Medical Imaging Inventory Service Report 2023, the average (mean) number of MRI scans performed at a single private facility was 4,703 during FY 2021-2022 and 5,178 during FY 2022-2023 in Canada. Thus, a high number of imaging procedures performed in the region is expected to increase the demand for radiation protection aprons during the forecast period.
The increasing prevalence of cancer is expected to increase the use of radiation therapy, which is likely to boost the studied market. For instance, according to Cancer Facts and Figures 2024, published in January 2024 by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 2.0 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2024. Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment method to damage and destroy the cancer cells inside the body. Moreover, an increase in technological advancements in the healthcare sector is anticipated to fuel the growth of the medical radiation protection aprons market. For instance, in July 2022, Burlington Medical announced the launch of XENOLITE 800 NL. It is a super-lightweight, lead-free, and flexible apron used as an X-ray radiation protection apron. Healthcare practitioners, including radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and patients, use three types of aprons to protect themselves from harmful radiation.
Thus, the radiation protection apron market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period in North America owing to an increased number of radiation or imaging procedures and a growing number of cancer and product launches.
