Body Scanners: European Airports' Security Measures Explored

Body scanners are devices that detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. The use of body scanners at airports has been a topic of debate due to concerns related to privacy, health, and safety. In Europe, the decision to use body scanners at airports is left to individual countries, but they must comply with EU rules if they choose to implement them. This includes offering passengers the option to opt-out of body scanners and be screened by alternative methods such as a hand search.

In 2011, the European Union banned the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports due to health and safety concerns, particularly the potential risk of cancer associated with ionizing radiation. Instead, European airports are advised to use millimeter-wave scanners, which utilize low-energy radio waves and have not been linked to cancer.

The European Union has banned X-ray body scanners in all airports

The European Commission, which enforces common policies across the EU's 27 member countries, adopted the rule to safeguard citizens' health and safety. European countries are allowed to use alternative body scanners that rely on radio frequency waves, which have not been associated with cancer.

The use of body scanners in airports has been controversial, with concerns about health risks and privacy. Body scanners can produce graphic images, and while manufacturers have installed privacy filters, some passengers still opt for traditional pat-down searches instead.

The European Union currently allows individual member states to decide whether to implement full-body scanners in their airports, as long as they comply with EU-wide standards and safeguards for health and fundamental rights. Passengers selected for body scanner screening have the right to opt out and request an alternative method of screening.

The ban on X-ray body scanners in European airports demonstrates the EU's commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its citizens while ensuring that airport security measures align with EU-wide standards and respect fundamental rights.

European airports use millimeter-wave scanners that are considered safer

Millimetre-wave (mmWave) scanners are now commonplace in airports, making air travel safer and more convenient. They are used in airports across Europe, including in the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK.

MmWave scanners are considered safer than other body scanners because they use non-ionising radiation, which is non-damaging to body tissue. The power levels of mmWave scanners are even lower than those of standard Wi-Fi routers. In contrast, X-ray scanners penetrate the body and can harm cells.

MmWave scanners are also highly effective. They can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including ceramics, plastic, composite liquid explosives, and organic materials. They can also detect very small objects that might otherwise evade detection.

In addition to their safety and effectiveness, mmWave scanners are also fast and convenient. Scanning takes only seconds, and travellers can be on their way to the airport lounge in no time.

One example of a mmWave scanner is the R&S QPS201 system, which is used in international airports around the globe and is certified by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). Another is the R&S QPS Walk2000, which allows travellers to walk through at a regular pace without pausing or posing, increasing throughput and minimising queues.

MmWave scanners are also versatile. They can be used in correctional facilities, data centres, factories, and events, providing enhanced protection without detracting from the user experience.

Overall, European airports' use of millimetre-wave scanners is an important tool for ensuring safety and security while maintaining efficiency and convenience for travellers.

Passengers can opt-out of body scanners and choose an alternative screening method

Passengers can opt out of body scanners at European airports and choose an alternative screening method. This is because the use of body scanners is decided by each EU country, and if they do choose to implement them, they must comply with EU rules.

One rule is that passengers must be given the possibility of opting out of a body scanner. In this case, they will be screened by an alternative method, which includes at least a hand search. Passengers must also be given full information on the technology used before they are screened.

Other rules include the right to ask that the image of your body is analysed by a human reviewer of the gender of your choice, and that the human reviewer will be somewhere else and will not be able to see you. The image will be blurred so you cannot be identified, and the images cannot be copied, stored or printed.

Only scanners that do not use ionizing radiation can be used. This is because of the potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation.

If you opt out of a body scanner at a European airport, you will be subjected to a full-body pat-down by a TSA agent of your gender. While some pat-downs take place in public areas, you can request to be patted down in a private room.

Body scanners can detect non-metal objects, including items inside body cavities

Full-body scanners are devices that detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without the need for physical contact or the removal of clothing. They are used to detect "metallic and non-metallic threat items", including items inside body cavities.

Full-body scanners use advanced imaging technology (AIT) to produce a millimetre wave scan that can detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic objects in a matter of seconds. The waves are sent towards a passenger's insides, passing through clothing and reflecting off the skin and any concealed items. The waves then bounce back an image, which is interpreted by the machine. If the waves hit something suspicious, a security officer will investigate further.

Body scanners can detect items inside body cavities, including swallowed items, and are particularly effective at detecting drugs carried by drug couriers in the stomach. They can also detect non-metallic weapons, such as those made from ceramics, and explosive materials.

The use of body scanners at EU airports is at the discretion of each member state, but if they are used, passengers must be given the option to opt-out and be screened by an alternative method.

The use of body scanners has raised privacy concerns

Passengers have objected to images of their naked bodies being displayed to screening agents or recorded by the government. Current technology is less intrusive, and most people are allowed to refuse a scan and opt for a traditional pat-down instead. Depending on the technology used, the operator may see an alternate-wavelength image of the person's naked body, a cartoon-like representation of the person with an indicator showing where any suspicious items were detected, or a full X-ray image.

In the United States, the TSA has stated that the machines do not store images of passengers at airports. However, in response to the house chair on homeland security, the TSA disclosed that its procurement of airport scanners requires manufacturers to include image storage and transmission features, but that these features should be disabled before being placed in an airport.

In the EU, the use of body scanners is subject to certain conditions, including:

• Scanners shall not store, retain, copy, print or retrieve images.
• Any unauthorised access and use of the image is prohibited and shall be prevented.
• The human reviewer analysing the image shall be in a separate location and the image shall not be linked to the screened person or others.
• Passengers must be informed about the conditions under which the security scanner control takes place.
• Passengers are given the right to opt out of a control with scanners and be subject to an alternative method of screening.

Frequently asked questions