Roberta Aguirre
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threats, and while they do not show explicit images of passengers' bodies, older machines were known to reveal detailed outlines of private parts. Today's millimeter wave machines, however, do not pick up on intimate details and are designed to protect passenger privacy by generating generic avatars.
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What You'll Learn
Body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
Millimetre wave imaging is a special type of microwave, not an X-ray. We are exposed to this type of non-ionizing radiation in our daily lives, according to the CDC. The machines send millimetre waves towards a passenger's insides. The waves pass through clothing and reflect off the passenger's skin and any other concealed items, bouncing back an image that is then interpreted by the machine.
The software in the scanner system creates a 3D, black-and-white, whole-body silhouette of the subject. It also employs automated target recognition (ATR) technology, which can detect liquids, gels, plastics, powders, metals, ceramics, explosives, drugs, and money. ATR technology can also create generic outlines of passengers, highlighting any areas of concern.
Older machines used backscatter technology, which produced a stream of low-energy X-rays. These machines were removed from all airports in 2013 due to privacy and health concerns.
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Scanners detect metallic and non-metallic threats
Airport security systems use various technologies to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines are commonly employed to detect potential threats. These scanners can identify both metallic and non-metallic items, including those hidden under clothing or in body cavities.
Millimeter wave scanners, for instance, use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to detect a wide range of threats in a matter of seconds. They send millimeter waves towards a passenger's body, and the energy that bounces back helps identify objects. These scanners do not reveal anatomical details and are designed to protect passenger privacy.
Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use low-dose radiation to detect metallic and non-metallic objects, even in shoes or body cavities. However, there have been concerns about the safety and privacy implications of this technology, leading multiple countries to ban its usage.
Passive infrared scanners are another technology used in public spaces, including airports, to detect "threat objects." These scanners analyze natural heat radiation emitted by the human body and can identify both metallic and non-metallic threats without revealing any body details, thus preserving privacy.
Transmission X-ray scanners use penetrating radiation to detect objects hidden under clothing or inside the body, such as drugs carried in the stomach. The dosage of radiation received by individuals is regulated and usually does not exceed specific safety standards.
Overall, airport scanners are continuously evolving to enhance security while also addressing privacy and health concerns. These scanners are designed to detect a wide range of threats, both metallic and non-metallic, to ensure the safety of all individuals passing through airports.
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Scanners don't show nipples or genitalia
Although older airport body scanners did not have privacy protections in place, the machines currently in use do not show nipples or genitalia.
The older machines, which used backscatter technology, were phased out of airports in 2013 due to privacy and health concerns. With these machines, officers located away from the checkpoint could see under passengers' clothing. However, the officer viewing the scans was not the same one at the checkpoint, and the officer viewing the scans could not see the identity of the passenger.
Today's millimeter-wave machines ensure privacy for all passengers. They do not show nipples or genitalia, and they do not pick up size, weight, or height. Instead, they generate generic images of a body instead of the passenger's unique image. If there is no alarm, officers don't see anything at all—simply a screen reading "OK".
While the millimeter wave machines can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats, they do not produce images of an individual naked. If something sets off the scanner, the screen will light up and pinpoint the area on the body where the trigger is coming from.
It is important to note that the scanning process can become complicated for transgender individuals. If a transgender man still has breasts, the chest area will light up, and a similar situation occurs for transgender women who have not had gender reassignment surgery. To avoid potential pat-downs, it is recommended to inform the TSA officer of your true body configuration before the scan.
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Scanners can be saved, despite TSA saying otherwise
Body scanners have been a common feature of airport security for many years now, and their use is only becoming more widespread. With the implementation of such technology comes concerns about privacy and health, and it is these concerns that have prompted some to call for the removal of body scanners. However, there are ways to address these concerns and save the scanners, which provide an invaluable layer of security at airports.
One of the primary concerns with body scanners is the potential violation of privacy. Older machines, which used backscatter technology, could reveal naked images of passengers to officers located away from the checkpoint. This was an invasion of privacy, and the machines were replaced in 2013. Newer machines use millimetre-wave technology, which does not reveal naked images. Instead, they generate generic body outlines with boxes indicating areas of concern. In addition, an avatar system has been introduced to further protect passenger privacy.
Another concern is the potential health risk posed by the radiation emitted by body scanners. Millimetre-wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, similar to that used by wireless data transmitters, but at a lower frequency than visible light. The health risks of these machines are still being studied, but it is worth noting that they do not generate ionizing radiation, and emit thousands of times less energy than a cell phone.
In addition to these concerns, there is also the worry that body scanners are slow and ineffective. This was a reason cited by the Italian government when they announced plans to remove body scanners from airports in 2010. However, it is worth noting that thousands of these scanners have been successfully deployed worldwide, and they are capable of detecting a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats in a matter of seconds.
To address the concerns surrounding body scanners, it is important to continue developing and implementing measures that protect passenger privacy, such as the avatar system. Additionally, further research into the potential health risks of millimetre-wave technology is warranted, and communicating the findings of such research to the public may help to alleviate concerns. Finally, addressing the issue of speed and effectiveness may involve staff training and procedural changes, rather than the removal of the scanners themselves.
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Scanners are voluntary, but refusal may have repercussions
Although body scanners are now voluntary, refusing to go through one may have repercussions. Firstly, it's important to note that body scanners are there for your safety and the safety of others at the airport. They use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and millimeter wave technology to detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic threats in a matter of seconds. While they do not show your naked body on the screen, they can detect items that may be considered threats, such as guns and knives.
If you refuse to go through a body scanner, you may be subjected to a full-body pat-down as an alternative security screening protocol. It is within your rights to refuse the body scanner, but it is important to remain polite and avoid any aggressive or rude behavior towards TSA agents. Being flagged as a disruptive or unruly passenger may lead to further repercussions, such as additional security checks or even being denied boarding.
Additionally, refusing to go through a body scanner may cause delays in the security process, which could impact your ability to catch your flight on time. It is also worth noting that body scanners are just one part of the airport security process, which also includes metal detectors, facial scanners, and luggage scans. These additional security measures help ensure the safety of all passengers and staff at the airport.
While the primary purpose of body scanners is to detect potential threats, they may also pick up on benign items that are not considered dangerous. These items, such as certain medical devices, should be disclosed to the TSA officers before entering the machine to avoid any potential issues. Overall, while refusing a body scanner is an option, it is important to understand the potential repercussions and be respectful of the security protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport body scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to detect metallic and non-metallic threats. They do not pick up biological fluids like semen.
Airport body scanners use millimeter wave technology to detect metallic and non-metallic threats. They can detect benign items like coins or keys in your pocket, which may require a more detailed check.
Older machines used backscatter technology, which allowed officers to see under clothing. However, due to privacy and health concerns, these machines were removed from airports in 2013. Today's millimeter wave machines do not show nipples or genitalia and do not pick up size, weight, or height. They use avatars to ensure passenger privacy.
