Jazmin Li
There are a variety of opinions and guidelines regarding the safety of airport scanners for pregnant women. While some sources claim that airport scanners are completely safe for pregnant women and their babies, others suggest that there may be risks associated with radiation exposure. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) assures that all screening equipment at airport security checkpoints is safe for pregnant travellers, and that their machines do not use X-rays to produce images. However, individual experiences may vary depending on the airport, with some travellers being offered alternatives such as metal detectors or pat-downs. Ultimately, it is a personal choice for pregnant travellers, and they can always request a pat-down search if they feel uncomfortable with the scanners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | All screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is deemed safe for pregnant travelers. |
| Radiation type | Non-ionizing radiation, radio frequency, millimeter wave technology, radio waves. |
| Alternative options | Pat-down by a female Transportation Security Officer. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport scanners are safe for pregnant women
Pregnant women can go through airport scanners without any adverse effects on their baby. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirms that all screening equipment at airport security checkpoints is safe for all travelers, including pregnant women. The TSA's advanced imaging technology systems for on-person screening utilize safe, non-ionizing radio-frequency millimeter-wave technology to screen for metallic and non-metallic threats. The energy projected by millimeter-wave technology is thousands of times less than a cell phone transmission.
Millimeter-wave scanners use nonionizing radiation, which is lower energy than ionizing radiation. This means that the radiation does not have enough energy to damage the cells of a pregnant person and their fetus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common exposures to nonionizing radiation do not pose a risk to pregnant women and their babies.
Despite concerns about the amount of radiation exposure from backscatter scanners, studies have shown that the levels are not high enough to pose a threat to human health, including pregnant women. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also confirms that security scanners are considered safe, with no known risks for pregnant women or their fetuses.
If you are still concerned about walking through a full-body scanner, you can always request a pat-down search instead, which will be conducted by a female security officer. However, it is important to note that some people may feel less comfortable with the physical contact involved in a pat-down search. Ultimately, the decision rests with the pregnant woman, and she can choose the option that makes her feel most comfortable.
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Millimeter-wave scanners and X-ray backscatter scanners are safe
It is understandable to be concerned about the safety of airport scanners, especially for pregnant women. The good news is that all screening equipment at airport security checkpoints is deemed safe for everyone, including pregnant women.
Millimetre-wave scanners and X-ray backscatter scanners are safe for use by pregnant women. This is because they use non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to alter the structure of biological molecules. Radio waves, visible light, and microwaves are also forms of non-ionizing radiation. The millimetre waves used in these scanners are a type of microwave.
X-ray backscatter scanners, on the other hand, use ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and, therefore, alter the structure of biological molecules. However, backscatter machines use very low-energy X-rays, and the amount of radiation received from one of these machines is equal to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight. The risk of health effects is very low.
The European Union has banned the use of X-ray backscatter scanners, believing that X-rays should be reserved for medical use only. However, the US, Nigeria, and the UK have widely adopted this technology.
If you are concerned about the safety of airport scanners, you can always opt for a pat-down search instead.
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Metal detectors are safe for pregnant women
Metal detectors and other airport security scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women and their unborn babies. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that "all screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is safe for all travellers, including women who are pregnant". The TSA also confirms that their advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detector systems do not use X-rays to produce an image. Instead, they use non-ionizing radio-frequency millimeter-wave technology, which emits much lower levels of radiation than a cell phone.
Despite concerns about the safety of airport scanners, the amount of radiation exposure from backscatter scanners has not been shown to pose a threat to human health, whether pregnant or not. A 2011 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine estimated the risk of cancer from radiation exposure with backscatter scanners and concluded that the risks to health were negligible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to non-ionizing radiation does not pose a risk to pregnant women and their babies. This is because non-ionizing radiation is lower energy than ionizing radiation and does not have enough energy to damage cells.
While airport scanners are considered safe for pregnant women, some women may still feel uncomfortable passing through them. In these cases, pregnant travellers can request a physical 'pat-down' search instead, which will be performed by a female security officer.
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Requesting a pat-down instead of a body scan
Although airport scanners are considered safe for pregnant women, you may still choose to request a pat-down instead of a body scan. This could be due to personal preference or on the advice of your physician.
If you are travelling in the US, the TSA website states that you can opt out of the advanced imaging technology (AIT) and request a pat-down instead. However, some travellers have reported that TSA employees can be resistant to this request, with some even arguing about it. To avoid this, it is recommended that you have the TSA webpage available on your phone to show anyone who challenges your decision. You can also get a note from your physician advising you to avoid the scanners, especially if your pregnancy is not visibly obvious.
If you are travelling outside of the US, it may be worth checking the policies of the airport and the country you are visiting to see if they allow pat-downs as an alternative to body scans. For example, in one traveller's experience, they were given a pat-down in Rome without having to request it, whereas in JFK they were initially resistant to the idea.
It is important to note that opting for a pat-down may result in a longer security screening process, so it is advisable to arrive at the airport early. The pat-down will be conducted by a female security officer, who will run her hands along your entire body, especially your breasts and belly, to check for any hidden weapons.
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Airport scanners emit low-intensity radiation
It is understandable to be concerned about the potential risks of radiation exposure, especially during pregnancy. The good news is that airport scanners are generally considered safe for all travelers, including pregnant women. Let's delve into the details about the radiation emitted by airport scanners and how it affects pregnant individuals.
Firstly, it's important to understand the two main types of airport body scanners: millimeter-wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners are the more commonly used type and they operate using non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves or millimeter waves. This technology involves two antennas rotating around the body to create a 3D image, which helps detect any concealed items. Millimeter-wave scanners do not use X-rays, and thus, they do not contribute to ionizing radiation exposure. The energy emitted by these scanners is thousands of times lower than that of a cell phone and is considered safe for pregnant individuals.
On the other hand, backscatter X-ray scanners, which were previously used in some airports, emit low levels of ionizing radiation in the form of X-rays. These X-rays penetrate the outer layer of clothing and skin, creating an image based on the different absorption levels of various materials. Due to concerns about cumulative radiation exposure, privacy, and potential health risks, backscatter X-ray scanners have been phased out in many countries, including the United States. They are being replaced by millimeter-wave scanners, which are considered a safer alternative.
It's important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has federal authority over machines that produce radiation, including airport security screening systems. The FDA ensures that all machines are correctly calibrated and maintained to operate safely. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States uses body-scanning units that employ millimeter-wave technology, which, as mentioned earlier, is considered safe for pregnant individuals.
While airport scanners emit low-intensity radiation, it's worth mentioning that pregnant individuals might still have concerns or preferences for alternative screening methods. In such cases, they can request a pat-down instead of going through a body scanner. However, this may vary depending on the airport and their specific protocols. Overall, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional and the relevant airport authorities to address any specific concerns or requests regarding airport scanner safety during pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is considered safe for pregnant people to go through airport scanners. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that "all screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is safe for all travellers, including women who are pregnant".
Airport scanners use non-ionizing radiation, which is the least harmful type of radiation. This type of radiation is also emitted by cell phones, and the levels emitted by airport scanners are much lower than those of cell phones.
If you are concerned about going through an airport scanner during pregnancy, you can request a physical 'pat-down' search instead. This will be performed by a female security officer.
