University of Waterloo Jun 8 2026 A light, flexible polymer material developed at the University of Waterloo could replace the lead in heavy X-ray aprons, providing the same protection from harmful radiation while reducing their weight by almost 90 per cent. For patients who only get X-rays once in a while, heavy lead aprons might be okay, but technicians who wear them every day often develop back and neck pain. Some of them have to retire early as a result." Dr. Tizazu Mekonnen,  Professor,