Which piece of equipment is commonly worn to protect from radiation exposure?

The lead apron is commonly worn to protect individuals from radiation exposure, particularly in medical and industrial settings where ionizing radiation is present. These aprons are made of lead or other dense materials that effectively shield vital organs from harmful radiation while still allowing the person to carry out necessary tasks.

In environments such as X-ray rooms or during certain types of diagnostic imaging, wearing a lead apron helps reduce the risk of long-term health effects associated with excessive radiation exposure. This protective measure is crucial because radiation can have cumulative effects on the body over time, increasing the risk of cancer and other conditions.

Other options, such as a safety helmet, ear plugs, or a dust mask, serve very different purposes. Safety helmets protect the head from physical impacts, ear plugs reduce noise exposure, and dust masks are designed to filter out harmful particulates from the air. None of these items provide the necessary protection against the specific hazards posed by radiation exposure.