Jazmin Li
Airport body scanners have evolved over the years, and today's machines rely on electromagnetic millimeter waves. These waves are sent towards a passenger's body and reflect off their skin and other concealed items, creating an image that is interpreted by the machine. While these scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, they do not see under the skin or inside body cavities. However, they can detect swallowed items, and there have been concerns about privacy and health risks associated with their use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Security screening |
| Function | Detects objects on or inside a person's body |
| Detection | Metallic and non-metallic objects |
| Safety | Safe for pregnant people, people with pacemakers, and breast implants |
| Privacy | Does not reveal naked body or inside of the body |
| Technology | Millimeter wave scanners, X-ray machines, CT scanners |
| Health Risks | Mixed evidence, but millimeter waves emit much less radiation than ionizing radiation |
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What You'll Learn
- Airport scanners cannot see inside body cavities
- Scanners use electromagnetic millimeter waves to detect threats
- Scanners cannot see under the skin, so won't detect drugs or liquids
- Scanners can detect breast implants, but not breast prostheses
- Scanners are safe for pregnant people and those with pacemakers
Airport scanners cannot see inside body cavities
Airport body scanners are designed to detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. They use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and emit electromagnetic millimeter waves to detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats.
Despite their ability to detect objects on a person's body, these scanners cannot see inside body cavities. According to Shawna Malvini Redden, PhD, and author of '101 Pat-Downs', "body scanners don't see under the skin, [so] they would also not pick up anything else stashed inside a body cavity, such as drugs or hazardous liquids." This is further supported by a TSA spokesperson, who stated that "the body scanners cannot see anything inside of the body, including tampons or any other items."
While airport scanners can detect swallowed items, this is achieved through the use of full-body X-ray machines, which are separate from the AIT scanners. These X-ray machines are used specifically for individuals suspected of swallowing drugs or carrying them in their stomachs. The AIT scanners used at security checkpoints, on the other hand, only check the contour of the body and do not reveal what is inside a person's body.
Additionally, it is important to note that the use of full-body X-ray scanners has been a subject of controversy. Some travellers have expressed discomfort with the level of detail revealed in the scans, and there have been concerns about potential health risks associated with the radiation emitted by these machines. As a result, travellers in the US have the option to refuse the full-body scanner and request a physical search instead.
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Scanners use electromagnetic millimeter waves to detect threats
Airport scanners have become a common sight, but how do they work? These machines use a variety of technologies, including X-rays and millimetre wave technology, to detect potential threats and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Millimetre wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to create an image of a person's body. The scanner emits a low-power radio frequency signal that is reflected back by the body and detected by the scanner. This technology is safe for travellers with medical devices such as pacemakers, and those with breast implants.
Millimetre wave scanners are also known as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and are used for full-body scans at airport checkpoints. They detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats in a matter of seconds. Importantly, these scanners do not see under the skin, so they will not pick up items inside body cavities. However, they can detect the exact location of metal and non-metal objects that may be concealed under clothing.
The use of millimetre wave technology means that these scanners do not use ionizing radiation, which is employed by some other airport security systems. Ionizing radiation is also used in X-ray scanners, which create an image of the contents of a passenger's luggage. While X-ray scanners are considered safe, millimetre wave scanners emit even less radiation, about 10,000 times less than a standard cellphone.
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Scanners cannot see under the skin, so won't detect drugs or liquids
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic objects, such as weapons or explosives, that may be concealed under clothing. They use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and emit millimeter waves that reflect off the passenger's skin and any concealed items, producing an image that is then interpreted by the machine.
While these scanners can detect items under clothing, they do not see under the skin. According to Shawna Malvini Redden, PhD, and author of 101 Pat-Downs, "body scanners would also not pick up anything else stashed inside a body cavity, such as drugs or hazardous liquids." These items might be detected if they were in your pockets or luggage, but the scanners themselves cannot see inside the body.
This has been confirmed by the TSA, who state that "the body scanners cannot see anything inside of the body, including tampons or any other items." Additionally, the imaging technology used by airport scanners is not the same as medical X-ray technology, which can detect issues inside the body such as tumors or inflammation. Instead, millimeter-wave technology used by airport scanners only checks the contour of the body and does not provide internal images.
While airport scanners cannot see under the skin, they may detect some unexpected items on the surface of the skin. For example, a case study revealed that scanning devices can misinterpret cysts and other skin lesions as foreign objects. Similarly, passengers with prosthetics, ostomy pouches, or other medical equipment may require additional screening once these items are detected.
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Scanners can detect breast implants, but not breast prostheses
Airport body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and millimeter-wave technology to detect metallic and non-metallic objects on a person's body. These scanners do not reveal a person's naked body or the insides of their body. Instead, security staff see a generic human shape without any specific identifying features.
Breast implants are prostheses used to enhance the size of a woman's breasts. They do not contain any metal, except for tissue expanders, which may have an integrated or remote metal port. The newest scanners can detect breast implants, but travellers are not required to disclose this information to TSA officials unless the implants are metallic.
Breast prostheses, on the other hand, are silicone breast forms that are classified as medical devices. They are not restricted by liquid or gel regulations. While they generally do not activate metal detectors, certain types containing specific materials might trigger an alert. Body scanners may detect them as anomalies, prompting additional screening. Therefore, travellers with breast prostheses are advised to inform TSA agents before proceeding through the scanner.
In summary, airport body scanners can detect breast implants, but not breast prostheses. However, both types of objects may prompt additional screening, depending on the specific circumstances.
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Scanners are safe for pregnant people and those with pacemakers
While airport scanners use technology that can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic objects, they do not see under the skin. This means that they cannot see anything inside the body, including tampons or other items. The technology used is called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and it is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. The energy emitted by millimeter-wave technology is 10,000 times less than what is permitted by a standard cellphone.
Pregnant women who have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable about using a full-body scanner can refuse to step through one. However, they will then have to undergo a thorough hand search in a private room, which may be more inconvenient and time-consuming.
Airport body scanners that use millimeter-wave technology, like those in the US and Canada, are also safe for people using pacemakers. X-ray machines and metal detectors pose a very limited risk to those with pacemakers, but it is always advisable to inform the security agent that you have a pacemaker implanted.
Overall, millimeter-wave scanners are considered safe for all passengers, including pregnant people and those with pacemakers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, new airport scanners cannot see inside your body. They use millimeter-wave technology, which only checks the contour of the body.
Airport scanners can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including explosives. They can also detect the presence of certain medical equipment, such as colostomy bags and catheters.
Airport scanners cannot detect drugs inside the body or buried under the skin. However, they can provide visual clues of drugs hidden under clothes or in baggage.
According to the TSA, airport scanners are safe. The energy emitted by millimeter-wave technology is 10,000 times less than what is permitted by a standard cellphone.
