Sachin Walls
Airport body scanners have been a topic of concern for travellers, with many wondering if they are safe or exposing people to dangerous rays. The machines use a stream of low-energy X-rays or millimetre wave imaging, a special type of microwave, to detect objects on or inside a person's body. While older machines could show a person's naked body, newer machines use a generic avatar to indicate areas of concern, protecting the privacy of the person being scanned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport X-rays see through clothes? | No, newer airport scanners use millimeter wave imaging, a special type of microwave, not an X-ray. |
| Privacy protections | Yes, the TSA implemented safeguards for passenger privacy. The officer at the checkpoint doesn't see the image of the scanned passenger. |
| Health concerns | There are health concerns relating to the use of full-body scanning technology, especially X-ray scanners. However, the radiation dose is regulated and limited on a per-person basis. |
| Image storage and transmission | The TSA requires manufacturers to include image storage and transmission features, but these should be disabled before being placed in an airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport body scanners no longer show passengers naked
Airport body scanners have been a topic of concern for passengers for many years. The early versions of these scanners did not have privacy protections in place, and Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) were able to view naked images of passengers during screening. This led to criticisms of virtual strip searches without probable cause, with suggestions that the technology was illegal and violated basic human rights. As a result of privacy and health concerns, the older machines were removed from all airports in 2013.
The newer Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners use millimeter wave imaging, a type of non-ionizing radiation that we are exposed to daily at low levels, according to the CDC. This technology does not produce X-ray images of the body, and it does not reveal intimate body parts, sizes, weight, or height. Instead, it generates generic images of a body outline with a box indicating the area where the scanner detected something. If there is no alarm, officers only see a screen reading "OK," protecting the privacy of passengers.
While passengers can refuse to go through body scanners, it is important to remain polite and respectful to TSA agents. Those who opt out may be subject to alternative screening methods, such as a pat-down, which can also be invasive. A TSO will physically check the person's body, possibly including intimate areas, and while a private room can be requested, these screenings typically occur near the checkpoint.
The implementation of newer AIT scanners and privacy protections has addressed the concerns regarding passenger privacy. The current technology ensures that TSOs do not view naked images and that passengers' identities are protected during the screening process.
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Millimeter wave imaging is now used instead of X-rays
X-ray backscatter technology was once used in airport body scanners to detect items that passengers may be trying to conceal. However, there were concerns about the use of ionizing radiation in these scanners and the invasion of privacy as they could show naked images of passengers.
The scanners use two antennas that rotate around the person's body to produce waves, which go through clothing and reflect off the skin and any concealed items. The waves bounce back an image, which is interpreted by the machine. This image is a 3D rendering that resembles a fuzzy photo negative and is sent to a remote monitor.
Millimeter wave scanners are now used in approximately 600 airports across the US. They are also used in other airports around the world.
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X-rays can cause tissue damage in high doses
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through most objects, including the human body. They are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. While they are an important imaging tool, they do pose certain risks. X-rays are a naturally occurring form of radiation, but they are also produced when charged particles of sufficient energy hit a material.
X-rays can cause alterations in DNA, leading to cancer later in life. They are classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States government. The risk of cancer increases with the number of exposures over an individual's lifetime. This is why it is important to keep track of your X-ray history and only undergo X-ray procedures when necessary.
The radiation dose used for treating cancer is much higher than the dose used for diagnostic imaging. Therapeutic radiation is used to destroy cancerous tumors and cells by damaging their DNA. In the case of diagnostic imaging, the benefits of X-rays typically outweigh the risks. X-ray scans can diagnose potentially life-threatening conditions such as blocked blood vessels, bone cancer, and infections.
High levels of radiation can damage tissue quickly, leading to burns, blood problems, and injury to vital bodily systems. However, it is important to note that the type and dose of radiation used in X-ray scans are not considered high enough to cause long-lasting damage in adults. Any damage caused by low-dose radiation is repaired by the body, and permanent damage only occurs when a certain threshold is reached. This threshold is far higher than the standard X-ray dose.
While X-rays do carry some risks, these are generally outweighed by their diagnostic benefits. Additionally, current research is focused on further reducing the radiation dose, improving image resolution, and enhancing contrast materials and methods.
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The machine shows a generic avatar with a box on it
Airport body scanners have raised concerns among travellers about safety, privacy, and effectiveness. The early versions of these scanners displayed explicit images of passengers, raising serious privacy issues. These scanners were removed from all airports in 2013. The machines used back then produced a stream of low-energy X-rays, which people worried could increase radiation exposure.
Today, the machines used in airports are millimetre wave machines, which are a special type of microwave and not an X-ray. They generate generic images of the body, ensuring passenger privacy. The body scanners provide a nondescript avatar image of the human anatomy, which looks like a gingerbread man or a paper doll. This generic human form is used to ensure passenger privacy while maintaining security effectiveness.
The millimetre wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger’s body or penetrate the skin. Instead, the machines send millimetre waves toward a passenger’s insides. The waves go through clothing and reflect off the passenger’s skin and bounce back an image, which is interpreted by the machine. If the electromagnetic waves hit something that seems suspect, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) will investigate further. If not, the passenger can pass through the security checkpoint without a pat-down or other physical contact.
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The machine detects anomalies based on reflected waves
Airport security systems use a variety of methods to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, including metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. These systems are designed to detect anomalies, or items that are not approved for air travel, such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids.
One of the primary methods used by airport security to detect anomalies is through the use of X-ray machines. These machines utilize electromagnetic waves, or X-rays, which are more energetic than light and can penetrate many materials. The X-rays pass through the item being scanned, such as carry-on luggage, and are then picked up by a detector. This detector passes the X-rays through a filter, which blocks out the lower-energy X-rays, before they reach a second detector. The computer then compares the pick-ups of the two detectors to create an image that represents the items inside the luggage. By analyzing the image, the machine operator can identify distinct items, including inorganic and metal objects, which may pose a potential threat.
Another method employed by airport security is the use of millimeter wave imaging. This technology sends millimeter waves toward a passenger's body, penetrating clothing and reflecting off the skin and any concealed items. The reflected waves bounce back an image, which is interpreted by the machine to detect anomalies. This method does not expose individuals to harmful levels of radiation, as the waves emit extremely low energy, similar to the levels one would experience during a flight.
In addition to X-ray and millimeter wave technologies, some airports also utilize chemical sniffers to detect anomalies. These devices analyze cloth swabs taken from electronic devices or enclosed spaces for traces of chemicals used in bomb-making. By employing a combination of these technologies, airport security strives to ensure the safety of passengers and staff while maintaining privacy and minimizing radiation exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport X-rays cannot see through clothes. While older machines used backscatter technology, which produced detailed images, newer machines use millimeter wave imaging, which only produces a generic outline of a person and indicates potential anomalies.
Millimeter wave imaging uses non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to detect objects on or inside a person's body. This technology operates at a lower frequency than visible light and does not produce harmful ionizing radiation.
No, airport staff cannot see your naked body on their screens. While older machines may have displayed detailed images, privacy protections have since been implemented. Newer machines show a generic avatar with boxes indicating potential anomalies, ensuring privacy.
The health risks associated with millimeter wave scanners are still being studied, and the evidence is mixed. While the radiation produced is non-ionizing and similar to everyday exposure, there may be concerns with repeated or excessive exposure. Regulations, such as ANSI 43.17.2009, are in place to limit radiation exposure on a per-person basis.
In certain cases, individuals may be able to opt for alternative screening methods or enroll in pre-check programs like TSA PreCheck. However, this may vary depending on the airport and security protocols in place. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the airport and security personnel.
