Lois Larson
Airport body scanners are a common feature of air travel, but they can be a source of anxiety for some passengers. These scanners use advanced imaging technology, such as millimeter wave or X-ray, to detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including explosives, on a person's body. While the scanners can see detailed images of luggage contents and can detect items under clothing, they do not reveal a person's naked body or the insides of their body. Instead, security staff sees a generic human shape, and the scanners cannot detect objects inside the body or under the skin. Passengers who are uncomfortable with the body scanners can opt for a physical pat-down screening instead, although this may include an intimate check of the buttocks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Security checks to detect threats |
| Process | Millimeter wave technology scans the body and reflects off the skin, creating an image |
| Image | A generic human shape, without specific identifying features |
| Detection | Metal and non-metal objects, including explosives |
| Privacy | Does not reveal intimate body parts or internal organs |
| Safety | Safe for pregnant people and those with pacemakers, breast implants, and surgical metal implants |
| Alternative | Pat-down screening available upon request |
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What You'll Learn
Body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
AIT addresses the need to reliably detect explosives, bomb-making components, and other potential security threats that may be concealed by airline passengers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has deployed about 700 AIT scanners at airports throughout the United States, with plans to increase this number to 1,800 by the end of FY2014.
While AIT has been generally well-received by the American public, with polling data indicating that about 75-80% support its use, it has also sparked controversy. Privacy concerns have been raised, with critics calling the imaging a "virtual strip search" and suggesting it violates basic human rights. In addition, some worry about potential health risks and delays in security caused by AIT.
It is important to note that passengers have the right to opt-out of AIT screening and can request an alternative method such as a pat-down or a traditional metal detector.
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Scanners use electromagnetic millimeter waves
Millimeter wave scanners emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation at extremely high frequencies, similar to wireless data transmitters but at a lower frequency than visible light. The waves are directed towards a passenger's body, penetrating clothing and reflecting off the skin and any concealed objects. The reflected waves are then interpreted by the machine, creating an image that can be analyzed for potential threats.
This technology respects privacy as the machines do not store images of passengers. The waves used are also safe for passengers, emitting far less energy than a cell phone and operating within recommended safety limits for radiation exposure. The radiation levels are well below established safety thresholds and are regularly tested and maintained to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards.
Millimeter wave scanners have been implemented in airports worldwide, including in Mexico City, Amsterdam, Singapore, the UK, and Canada. They are valuable tools for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, providing efficient and reliable detection of prohibited items without physical contact or the removal of clothing.
While millimeter wave scanners have proven effective in enhancing security, they are not mandatory, and passengers can opt for alternative screening methods such as pat-down searches if preferred. These alternative methods ensure that individuals can make choices regarding their comfort and privacy while still maintaining the overall security of the aviation industry.
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Scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic items
While airport body scanners may make some travellers uncomfortable, they are an essential security measure to ensure the safety of air travel. These machines can detect metallic and non-metallic items, including weapons, chemicals, and liquids that are prohibited on airplanes.
Millimetre wave scanners, backscatter X-ray scanners, and transmission X-ray scanners are commonly used in airports. Millimetre wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to create a 3D image of the body, penetrating clothing but reflecting off the skin and any concealed items, including metal. They do not generate ionizing radiation, and emit less energy than a cell phone. Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use low-dose radiation to detect metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing, in shoes, and even in body cavities. Transmission X-ray scanners use higher-dose radiation to detect items hidden under clothing and inside the body, such as drugs carried in the stomach.
Metal detectors, a type of magnetometer, are also commonly used in airports to identify metallic weapons, tools, electronics, and liquids. While they cannot see through dense metal, they are highly effective at detecting metal objects. It's important to note that everyday items like belt buckles, jewellery, and coins can trigger alerts, leading to false positives.
Airport scanners use advanced imaging technology (AIT) to produce generic outlines of individuals, addressing privacy concerns. While travellers can refuse a body scanner, it is important to remain polite as TSA agents are there to ensure the safety of all passengers.
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Scanners cannot see inside the body
Scanners used in airports in the US and Canada use millimeter-wave technology, which is safe for pregnant people and those with pacemakers, breast implants, or surgical metal implants. This technology does not reveal what is inside a person's body. Instead, it checks the contour of the body and can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including explosives. While the machines can detect tumors, they can only identify external growths, not internal ones. Similarly, they cannot detect health issues such as inflammation.
Millimeter-wave technology works by sending waves toward a passenger's insides, which then reflect off the skin and bounce back an image. However, these waves cannot penetrate the body or see beneath the skin. Therefore, they cannot detect objects inside the body.
While body scanners can detect some internal metal objects, they cannot detect all types of metal. For example, they pose a very limited risk to those with a pacemaker. Additionally, breast implants will not be visible to the TSA agent, but breast prostheses will be detected.
Although body scanners can detect some objects inside the body, they are not designed to see inside the body and cannot provide a detailed view of the body's internal contents. Instead, airport security staff see a generic human shape without any specific identifying features. Therefore, while body scanners can detect some objects that may be concealed inside the body, they cannot see inside the body in the way that a medical imaging scan, such as an X-ray or MRI, can.
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Scanners can detect breast prostheses
Airport body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to scan passengers' bodies at checkpoints. These machines use millimeter wave technology to detect metallic and non-metallic threats. The waves reflect off the passengers' skin and bounce back an image, which is interpreted by the machine.
Passengers with breast prostheses can navigate airport security smoothly by communicating with TSA agents and understanding their rights. Silicone breast prostheses are classified as medical devices and are not restricted by liquid regulations. However, body scanners may detect them as anomalies, prompting additional screening. This is because the scanners detect all items located between the scanner and the skin.
If you are wearing a breast prosthesis, you can inform the security officers about it before stepping through the scanner. You are not required to remove your prosthesis during the screening, and you can also opt for a private screening. It may be helpful to carry a breast prostheses card to show to TSA agents if selected for additional screening. This will streamline the process and reduce the need for verbal explanation.
Additionally, wearing comfortable and simple clothing, such as a non-underwire bra, can help reduce the chances of setting off metal detectors and make the screening process quicker. It is important to stay calm and polite, even if extra screening is required. Most security officers are understanding and trained to handle such situations sensitively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport scanners cannot detect objects inside the body or buried under the skin. They use electromagnetic millimeter waves that reflect off the skin and other objects to create an image.
The scanners create a generic human shape, like a doll, that is the same for every traveller. They can detect metallic and non-metallic objects on the body and in luggage.
If the scanner detects something, you may be asked to undergo additional screening. This could be a pat-down, which may include an intimate check of the buttocks.
Yes, you can refuse the body scanner and opt for a physical search instead. However, this may also include a pat-down, which can include an intimate check.
