Ruth Haines
When travelling with an infant, it is understandable that parents or guardians may have concerns about the safety of X-ray machines and their use on infants and children. However, according to the TSA, infants and children can pass through airport metal detectors while being carried by their parent or guardian. While infants do not need to be removed from their sling or carrier, they may be subject to additional screening. X-ray machines use a very low dose of radiation, and the radiation exposure from a backscatter X-ray is considered safe for infants, children, and pregnant women.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are infants exempted from X-ray screening at airports? | No exemption, but they can be carried through the metal detector. |
| Is X-ray screening safe for infants? | Yes, the radiation dose is very low and safe for children and pregnant women. |
| What about food items? | Yes, it is safe to pass food through the X-ray. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray radiation is safe for infants
While X-rays do expose infants to radiation, the amount of radiation is very small and unlikely to cause any harm. X-rays are a quick, common, and painless way to get information about bones and organs, and they are particularly good at imaging hard tissues like bones. They are an important diagnostic tool that has led to improvements in the treatment of many medical conditions.
The radiation from X-rays is in the form of a beam that is only sent when the machine is turned on. This beam passes through the body and strikes a special film plate to create an image. The radiation exposure from a single X-ray is minimal and not considered harmful. In fact, the amount of radiation from a backscatter X-ray scan at an airport is about one-thousandth of the radiation received in a week from natural background radiation.
While radiation exposure may slightly increase a child's risk of cancer later in life, this risk is very small and mostly associated with large doses of radiation. The radiation from a single X-ray is much less than the radiation one would be exposed to on an airplane flight. Furthermore, the American National Standards Institute and the Health Physics Society have set a standard for the maximum radiation exposure from X-ray machines that is considered safe for children and pregnant women.
To minimize the risk of radiation exposure, pediatric protocols and technique charts are used to ensure that X-ray imaging is performed at the lowest radiation dose necessary to obtain quality images. In addition, children may be given a heavy apron made of lead to wear during the procedure to further reduce radiation exposure.
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Parents can carry infants through metal detectors
When travelling with an infant, parents may be concerned about the safety of X-ray screening and metal detectors at the airport. It is worth noting that radiation exposure from backscatter X-ray scans at airports is considered safe for infants and children. The radiation dose is minimal and adjusted to be safe for critical exposure groups, including children and pregnant women.
However, strollers, car seats, and other baby equipment must be screened separately. These items should be removed from the infant and placed on the X-ray belt for screening. If the equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, it will undergo a visual or physical inspection by TSA officers.
While metal detectors are considered safe, parents can request alternative screening methods if they prefer. For example, a handheld wand can be passed over passengers, or a hand search can be arranged by notifying the Airport Security Unit official before passing through the metal detector.
Additionally, parents should be aware that any carry-on items, such as toys, bags, and blankets, must be screened separately. This includes formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in excess of 3.4 ounces, which should be removed from carry-on bags for separate screening.
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Infants' belongings must be X-rayed
When travelling with an infant, it is understandable that you would want to minimise their exposure to X-ray radiation. However, it is important to note that X-ray machines at airports use a very low dose of radiation, which is safe for infants, children, and pregnant women. The radiation received during an X-ray scan at the airport is about one-thousandth of the natural background radiation received in a week.
Infants' belongings, such as strollers, car seats, bags, toys, and blankets, must be screened by X-ray. This is to ensure that no harmful substances or prohibited items are being carried on board the aircraft. If any of these items do not fit through the X-ray machine, they will undergo a visual and physical inspection by security officers.
Additionally, any food, drinks, or medications for the infant must also be placed on the X-ray belt for screening. According to the FDA, these items can safely pass through the X-ray without causing any harm or adverse effects. In fact, X-ray inspection systems improve food quality and safety by removing harmful contaminants.
It is important to inform the security officers if you are carrying formula, breast milk, or baby food in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from your carry-on bag and screened separately. To facilitate the screening process, it is recommended to use clear, translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches.
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Parents can request a hand search
While X-ray machines at airports use a very low dose of radiation that is considered safe for everyone, including infants and pregnant women, parents can still request a hand search instead.
At Dublin Airport, parents can choose to carry their infants through the metal detector. If they would prefer a hand search, they can notify the Airport Security Unit official before walking through the metal detector. This can also be arranged at other airports by contacting TSA Cares or by phoning (855) 787-2227.
Parents or guardians carrying an infant or child will not be separated from them during the screening process. Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but they may be subject to additional screening. If an infant or child is in a stroller or car seat, they must be removed and carried through the walk-through metal detector. All equipment, including strollers, car seats, and carriers, must be put through the X-ray machine for screening.
Parents should also inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process if they are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items should be removed from carry-on bags to be screened separately. TSA officers may need to test these liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.
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Breast milk and formula must be screened separately
When travelling with infants, it is understandable that parents and guardians may have concerns about X-ray screening at airport security. It is important to note that radiation from backscatter X-ray scans is generally considered safe for children and infants. The radiation exposure is minimal and poses little risk to young travellers. Nonetheless, it is still necessary to screen breast milk and formula separately from other carry-on items.
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ml) in carry-on baggage and are exempt from the standard liquid restrictions. These items are considered medically necessary liquids. This exemption also applies to cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, which are permitted regardless of the presence of breast milk.
When passing through security, inform the TSA officer that you are carrying formula, breast milk, or related items in excess of 3.4 ounces. These items must be removed from your carry-on bag and screened separately. If you do not want these items to be X-rayed or opened, you can inform the TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid. This may include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional screening of other carry-on property.
It is important to note that you are allowed to bring breast milk, formula, and related supplies even if your child is not travelling with you. Additionally, at some airports, such as Dublin Airport, infants and children must be removed from their prams, buggies, or infant carriers and carried through the metal detector. Metal detectors are considered safe for everyone, including infants and pregnant women.
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Frequently asked questions
No, infants cannot skip the X-ray at the airport. However, they can be carried through the metal detector by their parent or guardian.
Strollers, car seats, and other equipment must be put through the X-ray machine for screening.
Food, drinks, medications, and other products can be passed through the X-ray machine and remain safe for consumption. Liquids above 3.4 ounces will need to be screened separately, and it is helpful to use clear bottles for liquids such as formula, breast milk, and baby food.
Yes, the radiation exposure from backscatter X-ray scans is safe for infants and children. The amount of radiation received during a scan is about one-thousandth of the natural background radiation received in a week.
