Lois Larson
Airport security systems use metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimetre wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to ensure the safety of travellers. While some people have expressed concerns about the effects of radiation from airport X-ray scanners, it is important to note that the amount of radiation delivered by an airport X-ray is minuscule compared to other sources of radiation, such as medical X-rays or even cosmic radiation during flight. The risk of health effects from backscatter X-ray systems and millimetre wave machines is considered very low, and the machines are designed to meet strict standards to minimise radiation exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of radiation | Very low levels of radiation |
| Health risk | Very low |
| Type of radiation | Ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation |
| Type of scanner | Backscatter x-ray, millimeter wave scanners |
| Alternative | Pat-down search |
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What You'll Learn
Airport X-rays emit low-level radiation
While it is true that airport X-ray machines emit low-level radiation, the health risks associated with this are very low. In fact, the amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight. This means that the radiation exposure from the flight itself is far greater than that from the security screening.
There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to knock electrons away from atoms, creating free radicals that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. X-ray machines emit ionizing radiation. However, backscatter X-ray machines used in airports emit very low-energy X-rays that are reflected back to the machine itself and do not go through or get absorbed by the person being scanned. As a result, the person being scanned receives a very low dose of radiation, and there is little associated health risk.
Millimeter wave scanners, which are used in Canada, also emit extremely low-energy waves—each scan delivers a small fraction of the energy of a cell phone. These scanners use radiofrequency (RF) waves instead of X-rays, and as the millimeter waves are non-ionizing and of low intensity, there are no health risks associated with these scans.
The Health Physics Society estimates that airport X-ray scanners deliver 0.1 microsieverts of radiation per scan. In comparison, a typical chest X-ray delivers 100 microsieverts of radiation. This means that the amount of radiation delivered by an airport X-ray is tiny in comparison to medical X-rays.
While there may be concerns about the safety of X-ray machines, particularly for operators who are exposed to them constantly, the available models for estimating cancer risk are inaccurate when applied to airport scanners. This is because the exposure from these scans is concentrated in the superficial tissues, primarily the skin, and there is no accepted mathematical model for understanding the relationship between skin exposure and skin cancer risk.
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X-ray exposure is far lower than medical X-rays
While it is understandable that people may be concerned about the amount of radiation they are exposed to when going through airport security, it is important to note that the amount of radiation delivered by an airport X-ray is minuscule compared to medical X-rays.
X-ray scanners used in airports are typically backscatter X-ray machines, which emit very low-energy X-rays. These X-rays are reflected back to the machine itself and do not pass through or get absorbed by the person being scanned. As a result, the person being scanned receives a very low dose of radiation, and the health risk associated with the scan is extremely low. In fact, the amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation one would be exposed to during two minutes of flight.
To put it into perspective, a chest X-ray in a medical setting exposes patients to roughly 1,000 times more radiation than an airport scanner. According to the Health Physics Society, airport X-ray scanners emit 0.1 microsieverts of radiation per scan, while a typical chest X-ray delivers 100 microsieverts of radiation. This means that the radiation exposure from an airport X-ray is negligible in comparison.
Additionally, airport X-ray scanners are well-shielded and regulated to ensure the safety of both travelers and workers. The machines have thick walls and lead curtains to prevent radiation from escaping. They also have locks, warning lights, and labels to comply with strict standards and minimize radiation exposure.
While it is true that X-rays can cause damage to cells and increase the risk of cancer, the extremely low dose and low-energy nature of airport X-ray scanners make them relatively safe. The risk associated with airport X-ray exposure is far lower than that of medical X-rays, and travelers are exposed to more radiation during their flight than from the security scanners.
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X-rays are used to scan luggage
X-ray scanners are an essential tool in airport security, helping to identify prohibited items that could pose a threat to aviation safety. X-ray scanners are used to inspect both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. Carry-on luggage is typically scanned at the security checkpoint, while checked baggage is scanned in secured areas of the airport.
X-ray scanners create images of the contents of bags, which security personnel use to identify potential prohibited items. The scanners use high-energy X-ray beams that pass through luggage at different speeds, depending on the material. Metals, for example, absorb X-rays effectively and appear as dark orange or blue on the scanner's screen. Filters in the system allow the images to be colour-coded based on the density of the contents, with organic materials appearing differently from glass or metal.
Some airport security systems use ionizing radiation, including X-ray scanners, to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. This type of radiation has enough energy to knock electrons away from atoms, creating free radicals that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. However, the amount of radiation used in airport X-ray scanners is extremely low and does not pose a significant health risk. The Health Physics Society estimates that airport X-ray scanners deliver 0.1 microsieverts of radiation per scan, which is significantly less than the radiation exposure from other sources, such as a chest X-ray or air travel.
To ensure the safety of travellers and staff, airports implement various safety measures to minimise radiation exposure. Cabinet X-ray systems, for example, have thick walls and lead curtains at entry and exit points to prevent radiation from escaping. These machines must also meet strict standards and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure. Additionally, TSA's occupational safety and health professionals adhere to FDA requirements and regularly test the equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and safely.
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X-rays can identify hidden objects
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with higher energy. They can pass through most objects, including the human body, and are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. Medical x-rays are commonly used to look at bones and joints, detect bone fractures, identify certain tumours, and detect foreign objects, among other things.
X-rays are also used in airport security systems to scan passengers and their luggage. These X-rays are of very low energy and are reflected back to the machine itself. They are used to identify objects that may be hidden by passengers and to create images of what is in their luggage. Backscatter X-ray machines are used to detect threats such as weapons or explosives that a person could be carrying under their clothing. The machines emit low-level radiation that is well shielded, and the risk of health effects is very low.
The amount of radiation delivered by an airport X-ray is tiny compared to other sources of radiation. For example, a chest X-ray exposes patients to roughly 1,000 times the radiation of an airport scanner. Travellers are also exposed to far more radiation during the flight itself, with every minute on a plane delivering roughly the same dose of radiation as one airport X-ray scan.
Despite the low levels of radiation and the health safeguards in place, some people may still have concerns about the effects of radiation on their luggage and its contents. It is important to note that the X-rays in baggage scanners cannot make luggage or contents radioactive. The only potential effect on contents would be on extremely high-speed, sensitive photographic film, which may be somewhat exposed by the X-rays. Regular film and ordinary personal objects are not harmed.
In summary, X-rays are an effective tool for identifying hidden objects in airport security settings, and the health risks associated with the low levels of radiation exposure are very low.
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X-rays pose little health risk
X-ray scanners in airports emit low-level radiation. While there are concerns about the potential health risks of radiation exposure, the amount of radiation delivered by an airport X-ray is relatively low. According to the Health Physics Society, airport X-ray scanners emit 0.1 microsieverts of radiation per scan, which is significantly less than the radiation exposure from other sources, such as medical X-rays or air travel.
The risk associated with X-ray exposure is generally related to the dose received. In the case of airport X-ray scanners, the scanners are designed to direct the X-rays towards the object or person being scanned, and the X-rays bounce off the skin and items under the clothing, resulting in a very low dose of radiation being received by the person being scanned. Additionally, the scanners are enclosed within thick-walled cabinets with lead curtains, locks, warning lights, and labels to prevent the escape of radiation and protect users and operators.
Millimeter wave scanners, which are commonly used in airports, operate by emitting extremely low-energy waves and capturing the reflected energy to create an image. These scanners do not use X-rays and are considered safe, with no associated health risks. The amount of radiation received from a millimeter wave scanner is comparable to the radiation exposure from using a cell phone.
While there may be concerns about the privacy and safety of backscatter X-ray scanners, which are the other type of full-body scanners used in airports, the risk of health effects from these scanners is very low. The radiation exposure from a backscatter X-ray scanner is equivalent to the radiation received during a short period of air travel, typically lasting only a few minutes.
In summary, while airport X-ray scanners emit low levels of radiation, the health risks associated with this exposure are minimal. The scanners are designed to limit radiation exposure, and the dose received by individuals is relatively low compared to other sources of radiation. Additionally, alternative scanning methods, such as millimeter wave scanners, provide safe and effective options for screening passengers and luggage in airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport X-ray scanners deliver a tiny amount of radiation per scan—about 0.1 microsieverts. In comparison, a typical chest X-ray delivers 100 microsieverts. The amount of radiation from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight. The risk of health effects from these scans is very low.
Health Canada does not require operators of baggage X-ray scanners to wear dosimeters, even though they are beside the equipment all day. However, doctors and nurses go behind a shield because constant exposure to X-rays over many years can cause health issues.
Airports may use different kinds of screening equipment, such as metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. If you are worried about X-ray or millimeter wave screening, you can ask for a pat-down search instead.
The X-rays in baggage scanners cannot make luggage or contents radioactive. However, extremely high-speed, sensitive photographic film may be exposed by the X-rays.
