What type of shielding is commonly used in X-ray procedures to protect patients?

Lead shielding is commonly used in X-ray procedures to protect patients because of its unique properties as a dense, heavy metal that effectively absorbs and attenuates ionizing radiation. When X-rays are generated, they can penetrate human tissue, leading to potential harm; therefore, shielding is essential in minimizing exposure to this radiation. Lead, with its high atomic number, provides an effective barrier, significantly reducing the amount of radiation that reaches sensitive parts of a patient's body.

The other materials mentioned, such as plastic, glass, and foam, do not offer the same level of protection as lead. While some plastic materials may provide limited protection against certain types of radiation, they are generally inadequate for the high-energy X-rays used in medical imaging. Glass can block some radiation, but it is often impractical and not designed for this purpose in medical settings. Foam materials provide limited to no shielding against ionizing radiation, making them ineffective in the context of X-ray procedures. Thus, lead shielding remains the gold standard for patient protection during X-ray imaging.