X-Ray Scanners: Safe For Pregnant Women?

Many pregnant women worry about the potential risks of airport security scanners on their unborn babies. However, according to medical professionals and government sources, these scanners are safe for pregnant women and their babies. The scanners use low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin, and the amount of radiation received is equal to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight. Additionally, the scanners do not use X-ray technology, which means they cannot see the baby. While some people may still have concerns about the safety of these scanners, it is important to note that the alternative is a thorough hand search, which may be inconvenient and uncomfortable for some. Overall, airport X-ray scanners are considered safe for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Are airport scanners safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant women often worry about the potential risks that airport security checks may pose to their unborn child. However, according to medical professionals and researchers, airport scanning procedures that use metal detectors are considered safe for pregnant women.

Metal detectors and electromagnetic fields

Metal detector scanners use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to scan for metal objects. These electromagnetic fields are also produced by anything that generates or uses electricity, such as power lines and household appliances. At the low levels of a metal detector, this exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women.

Backscatter X-ray scanners

Some airports use a full-body scanner which, unlike metal detectors, can detect non-metal objects. Most of these scanners use a backscatter X-ray system, which uses a very low-intensity ionizing radiation to see through clothing and spot concealed items. Although it’s called an X-ray system, it's safe for pregnant people to pass through. This type of low-level exposure poses a very low risk. Even with frequent use, the health risk remains very low.

Millimeter radio wave scanners

Millimeter radio wave scanners use millimeter radio waves to scan the body. As the scanners do not make use of X-rays, they do not have any harmful impact on a growing fetus. A millimeter wave scanner emits less radiation than a typical cellphone.

Alternative options

If you do have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable about using a full-body scanner, you can refuse to go through one. However, the alternative is a thorough hand search, and you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing. If you're planning a plane trip and have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult with a gynecologist or your doctor before travelling.

What are airport scanners?

Airport scanners are used to keep people safe while travelling. They are used to check carry-on items and checked luggage for items that are not approved for air travel.

There are several types of airport scanners, including:

• Metal detectors: These use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to scan for metal objects. They create a magnetic field using a brief pulse of electrical current. If there are any metal objects present, the magnetic field will be reflected back to the machine, and a beeping noise is produced to alert the TSA agent.
• Hand-held scanning wands: These are sometimes passed over individual passengers and are considered safe.
• Full-body scanners: These can detect non-metal objects and can be used to detect swallowed items or items hidden in body cavities. They use very low-energy and low-intensity radiation so that the radiation does not penetrate the skin.
• X-ray scanners: These are used to build a picture of what's inside bags and allow security staff to check anything that looks suspicious. X-rays launched from one side of the machine are picked up by detectors on the opposite side.
• Millimeter wave scanners: These use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and do not generate ionizing radiation.
• Transmission X-ray scanners: These use higher-dose radiation to detect objects hidden under clothes or inside the human body.
• Infra-red thermal conductivity scanners: These use slight temperature differences on the surface of clothing to detect foreign objects.

All of these scanners are designed to keep travellers safe by identifying hidden weapons and other hazards. The risk of health effects from airport scanners is considered very low, but if you are worried, you can always opt for a pat-down search instead.

What are the different types of airport scanners?

There are several types of airport scanners, each with a different purpose and functioning. Here is a detailed list of the different types of airport scanners:

• Metal Detectors: These are the most common type of airport scanners. Metal detectors use a low-frequency electromagnetic field or a low-intensity magnetic field to scan for metal objects. They create a magnetic field by using a brief pulse of electrical current. If there is any metal present, the magnetic field reflects back to the machine, and a beeping noise is produced to alert the security agent. Metal detectors ignore very small amounts of metal, such as buttons or small earrings.
• Millimeter Wave Scanners: These scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation or non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats. The machine bounces the waves off the body and back to itself. Millimeter wave scanners emit far less energy than a cell phone and are considered safe. They can detect hidden threats such as guns and knives. If no threats are detected, the screen turns green and shows an "OK". These scanners do not generate ionizing radiation, and the health risks posed by them are still being studied.
• Backscatter X-ray Scanners: These scanners use very low-energy and low-intensity ionizing radiation to detect metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing or in shoes and body cavities. The radiation dose received is usually between 0.05 and 0.1 μSv. The amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation one is exposed to during two minutes of flight. The use of these scanners has been banned in multiple countries due to safety concerns.
• Transmission X-ray Scanners: These scanners use higher dosage penetrating radiation, which passes through the human body and is then captured by a detector. This type of scanner can detect objects hidden not only under clothes but also inside the human body, such as drugs in the stomach. The dosage received is usually not higher than 0.25 μSv.
• Infra-red Thermal Conductivity Scanners: These scanners use slight temperature differences on the surface of clothing to detect foreign objects. They rely on the ability of contraband hidden under clothing to heat or cool the surface of the clothing faster than the skin surface. Warm air is used to heat the clothing, and the rate at which the clothing cools depends on what is beneath it. Items that cool the clothing faster or slower than the skin surface will be identified by a thermal image.

What is the procedure for a body scan at the airport?

The procedure for a body scan at the airport involves walking through a full-body scanner that uses either radio waves or X-rays to detect objects on or inside a person's body. These scanners are used as a security measure to identify contraband, such as weapons or explosives, hidden under clothing or in body cavities. The two main types of body scanners used in airports are:

• Millimeter Wave Scanners: These scanners emit extremely low-energy radio waves, similar to those used by wireless data transmitters, to create an image of the body. The waves are reflected off the body and captured by the scanner, generating an outline that reveals items under clothing.
• Backscatter X-ray Scanners: These scanners use very low-dose X-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging, to detect radiation reflected off the human body. While X-rays used in medical imaging pass through the body, the backscatter technology ensures that the energy of the X-rays is absorbed by the superficial tissues, such as the skin, without penetrating deeper.

During the body scan procedure, individuals are typically instructed to stand in a specific position, such as planting their feet and raising their arms above their head, while the scanner captures the image. The images produced by these scanners can vary, ranging from a generic outline of a person with indicators of suspicious items to more detailed images that reveal anatomical features and personal items.

It is important to note that privacy concerns have been raised regarding body scanners, as some individuals may find it intrusive to have their bodies scanned and images captured. However, measures have been implemented to address these concerns, such as blurring faces, using stick figures or generic outlines instead of detailed images, and ensuring that screening agents are separated from the scanned individuals. Additionally, passengers in some countries, like the United States, have the option to refuse the body scan and undergo an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down or physical search.

While the specific procedures may vary slightly depending on the airport and the type of body scanner used, the overall process involves individuals walking through or standing in the scanner for a few seconds while it captures an image to ensure security and detect any prohibited items.

What are the tips for a comfortable flight journey during pregnancy?

Passing through airport security scanners is generally considered safe for pregnant women. The body scanners used in airports use very low-energy and low-intensity radiation, meaning the unborn child is not exposed to harmful levels of radiation. The radiation exposure is so low that it does not penetrate the skin and only creates an outline of your external torso.

• Always check with your doctor if you are planning to travel or fly. Travel is generally not recommended for those with certain complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm labour, or pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM).
• Plan for unexpected situations by locating the closest obstetric healthcare provider and hospital near your destination.
• Stay up to date with your vaccinations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. If travelling internationally, some countries may require specific vaccines, so be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider about what vaccines are recommended.
• Take extra precautions when travelling to areas with a high risk of infectious diseases, such as malaria or Zika. Avoid these areas if possible, and if not, use long-acting insect repellents that are safe for use during pregnancy, such as EPA-registered bug spray with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear your seat belt low and snug across your hips, not over your belly, to avoid putting pressure on your abdomen.
• Get up and move around often during long flights to help prevent blood clots, as pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Walk up and down the aisle every hour, do calf raises in your seat, and consider wearing compression socks to promote circulation.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring snacks, water, and anti-nausea medications to stay hydrated and comfortable during the flight.
• Wear a mask when travelling or in the presence of large crowds as an added precaution for yourself and your unborn baby, as COVID-19 and the flu are airborne viruses.

Frequently asked questions