Lois Larson
Airport security systems use metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter-wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines to ensure the safety of travellers. These systems are designed to detect masses either on your body or hidden inside your clothes. However, they are not designed to detect pain, and travellers with arthritis or sensitive joints may find that even a light pat-down from a security officer can be painful.
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What You'll Learn
- Airport scanners use non-ionizing radiation to detect hidden items
- Scanners can detect masses on the body or hidden inside clothing
- Scanners can flag non-security threats, like skin lesions
- Scanners are safer than pat-downs for those with sensitive joints
- Scanners may increase cancer risk, but the risk is very low
Airport scanners use non-ionizing radiation to detect hidden items
Airport scanners use a variety of technologies to detect hidden items and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These include metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines.
Metal detectors use low-intensity magnetic fields to detect metallic objects. They do not use ionizing radiation and are, therefore, a safer option for those concerned about radiation exposure. Metal detectors are sensitive enough to detect commonly implanted orthopedic materials such as stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and titanium.
Backscatter x-ray machines, on the other hand, use ionizing radiation in the form of low-energy x-rays to scan passengers and create images of any hidden objects. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, which can potentially damage DNA and lead to cancer. However, the amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation experienced during two minutes of flight, and the risk of health effects is considered very low.
Millimeter wave scanners, now the preferred option in Canada and the United States, use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect hidden threats. These machines emit extremely low-energy waves, even less than a cell phone, and create a 3D image of the body to identify contraband hidden under clothing. The waves are reflected by the body and can pass through clothing but only penetrate about one millimeter, making them safer than backscatter x-ray machines.
Cabinet x-ray machines are used to screen checked luggage and carry-on items. These machines use ionizing radiation to create images of the contents of luggage. However, the thick walls of the cabinet and lead curtains at the entry and exit points help protect workers and travelers from exposure to high levels of radiation.
While the use of ionizing radiation in airport scanners has raised concerns about health risks, especially for frequent travelers, the consensus among experts is that the benefits of enhanced security outweigh the minimal radiation risk posed by these scanners. The FDA and other regulatory bodies also have strict requirements and safety standards in place to limit passenger and worker exposure to radiation.
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Scanners can detect masses on the body or hidden inside clothing
Airport body scanners, also known as advanced imaging technology (AIT), are designed to detect masses on the body or hidden inside clothing. These scanners were introduced in 2007 and have since been deployed in over 78 airports in the United States, with an estimated 1,000 scanners in use by the end of 2011.
There are two types of full-body scanners: millimeter-wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners emit low-energy waves, capturing the reflected energy to generate a 3D image. These scanners use non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves, emitting far less energy than a cell phone. Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, utilize very low-dose X-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging, to create images. Both types of scanners are designed to identify contraband, weapons, or explosives hidden under clothing.
While these scanners are important for security, they have faced criticism for privacy breaches. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented measures to protect passenger privacy, such as blurring facial images, installing less provocative software, and separating security personnel from passengers during screening.
It is worth noting that airport body scanners have a low but non-zero risk of causing cancer, particularly in young girls. However, the risk is considered "truly trivial," and the scanners provide significant benefits to national security and safety. Additionally, the TSA offers alternative screening methods, such as pat-downs, for those who are uncomfortable with the body scanners or have limited mobility.
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Scanners can flag non-security threats, like skin lesions
Airport body scanners, also known as advanced imaging technology (AIT), are used to detect metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons, explosives, and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. While these scanners are effective in ensuring security, they can sometimes flag non-security threats, such as skin lesions.
The imaging technology used in airport scanners is highly sensitive and can misinterpret certain features as potential threats. For example, a case study published in JAMA Dermatology in 2016 revealed that scanning devices can mistake cysts and other skin lesions as foreign objects. Additionally, sweat, hair accessories, and clothing with metal components can also trigger the scanners.
Millimeter-wave scanners, a type of advanced imaging technology, operate by emitting low-energy waves that pass through clothing and bounce off the skin and any potential threats. These scanners capture the reflected energy to create an image for analysis. While this technology is designed to detect hidden weapons or explosives, it can sometimes be triggered by non-threatening items.
To address privacy concerns, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented measures such as blurring facial images, using less provocative software representations, and separating security personnel from direct contact with scanned passengers. However, there have been reports of improper saving and dissemination of scanned images, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these safeguards.
It is recommended that individuals remove items from their pockets, simplify their clothing and accessories, and inform Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) about any disabilities or medical conditions that may affect the screening process to facilitate a smoother experience when encountering airport scanners.
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Scanners are safer than pat-downs for those with sensitive joints
For those with sensitive joints, airport scanners are a safer option than pat-downs. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, now used in more than 200 airports, are a good choice for those with joint replacements, sensitive joints, or other sensitive-to-the-touch areas. Even the lightest pat-down from a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) can cause pain, and AIT scanners are a quicker and less invasive alternative.
While some travellers are concerned about the privacy and health implications of body scanners, these concerns may be unfounded. Firstly, in response to privacy concerns, the TSA has implemented measures to protect passenger privacy, such as blurring the images of faces and installing software to display a chalk outline of subjects. Secondly, regarding health concerns, the amount of radiation emitted by scanners is extremely low. Millimeter-wave scanners, for example, emit very low-energy waves, delivering only a small fraction of the energy of a cell phone. Furthermore, a study by the University of California, San Francisco, concluded that the risk from scanner radiation is trivial.
For those with arthritis or other joint issues, the stress and pain of airport security can be particularly challenging. While body scanners require passengers to walk unassisted and raise their hands above their heads, this is generally a quicker and less invasive process than a pat-down. If you have limited mobility and are unable to go through a body scanner, you can request a pat-down. However, it is important to inform a TSO before screening begins if you have a disability or medical condition that may affect the process.
Ultimately, the choice between body scanners and pat-downs depends on individual preferences. While body scanners may raise privacy and health concerns, they can also help travellers with sensitive joints avoid the potential pain and discomfort of a pat-down. By understanding the options and taking necessary precautions, travellers with sensitive joints can make informed decisions to ensure a smoother and less painful airport experience.
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Scanners may increase cancer risk, but the risk is very low
Airport body scanners, also known as advanced imaging technology (AIT), are designed to detect masses either on your body or hidden inside your clothes. They use metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines to ensure safety. While these scanners emit low levels of radiation, there have been concerns about whether they increase the risk of cancer.
Millimeter wave machines use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats. They emit extremely low-energy waves, with each scan delivering a small fraction of the energy of a cell phone. Backscatter x-ray scanners, the more common type in the US, utilize very low-dose x-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. These scanners emit very low-energy x-rays that are reflected back to the machine itself. The amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight, and the associated health risk is considered very low.
However, some argue that the risk is not zero, and that the scans may contribute to cancer cases, especially in young girls. The challenge is that it is difficult to accurately estimate the risk of cancer from these scans due to the extremely low doses involved. While the "linear no-threshold" model assumes that the risk is directly proportional to the dose, there may be a threshold below which exposure carries no risk. Additionally, there is no accepted mathematical model for understanding the relationship between skin exposure and the risk of skin cancer.
Despite these concerns, it is important to note that the risk of cancer from airport scanners is considered extremely small and has been described as "truly trivial." The benefits of improved national security and safety must be balanced against these exceedingly small risks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport scanners cannot detect pain. They are designed to detect masses on your body or hidden inside your clothes.
Airports use metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Yes, some airport scanners use ionizing radiation to scan passengers and luggage, while others use non-ionizing radiation. The radiation exposure from these scans is extremely low.
If something sets off the airport scanner, you may be subjected to a pat-down search of the area deemed suspicious. If you are uncomfortable with this process, you can request a private screening or a search by a TSA officer of the same gender.
To get through the airport scanner quickly, it is recommended to dress simply and remove all items from your pockets, including small items like scraps of paper. Body piercings may also trigger the scanner, so it is advisable to remove them if possible.
