Roberta Aguirre
Airport security systems use metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to ensure the safety of people travelling. While metal detectors identify metal objects, full-body scanners can detect non-metal objects, including those hidden in body cavities or swallowed. These scanners use millimetre wave imaging, a type of non-ionizing radiation similar to microwaves, or backscatter X-rays, which use low-dose radiation. They do not produce detailed images of the human body but rather a generic outline with indicators of potential threats. Some travellers have raised concerns about privacy, safety, and the effectiveness of these scanners, particularly regarding radiation exposure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of scanner | Millimeter wave scanners, Backscatter X-ray scanners |
| What it can see | Metallic and non-metallic objects, items in body cavities, swallowed items |
| What it can't see | Inside the body, bones, organs |
| Privacy features | Generic human outline, no identifying characteristics |
| Safety | Non-ionizing radiation, low levels of radiation, meets FDA requirements |
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What You'll Learn
Full-body scanners can detect items in body cavities
Full-body scanners have been in use at airports, train stations, subways, and penitentiaries since 2007. They are used to detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact.
The TSA uses Millimeter Wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners exclusively. These scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band, which is a lower frequency than visible light. The machines send millimeter waves toward a passenger’s insides, and the waves reflect off the passenger’s skin and whatever else is concealed, bouncing back an image that is interpreted by the machine.
Millimeter wave imaging technology does not detect items inside a passenger’s body or penetrate the skin. However, some full-body scanners can detect swallowed items or items hidden in body cavities. Transmission X-ray scanners, for example, are capable of detecting metallic and non-metallic contraband hidden underneath clothing or inside body cavities. Backscatter X-ray scanners use low-dose radiation to detect suspicious metallic and non-metallic objects hidden in clothing or body cavities.
Health concerns relating to the use of full-body scanning technology, especially X-ray scanners, have been raised. The issue is regulated by ANSI 43.17.2009, which limits the dose on a per-person basis. However, this document applies primarily to standard civilian airport security and is not considered applicable to high-security environments or highly concealed threats such as liquid bombs inside body cavities or swallowed drugs.
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Scanners can identify swallowed items
Some scanners, such as transmission X-ray scanners, are specifically designed to detect items inside the body. These scanners are often used in prisons and high-security environments to detect highly concealed threats. However, there are health concerns associated with the use of X-ray scanners, and the effectiveness of detecting swallowed items varies depending on the technology used.
Millimeter-wave scanners, for example, use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and do not penetrate the skin. They create a generic outline of a person and detect items by interpreting the waves that reflect off the person's skin and any concealed objects. These scanners are considered safe and are widely used in airports to detect potential threats without compromising privacy.
The use of full-body scanners in airports varies by country and is subject to health and safety regulations. While they can detect some swallowed items, there are limitations, and the effectiveness depends on the specific technology employed.
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Scanners can detect the mass and density of objects
Scanners used in airports are typically Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners that use millimeter waves to detect a wide range of metallic and non-metallic objects. These waves are sent towards the passenger and reflect off their skin and other objects, creating an image that is interpreted by the machine. This image is a generic outline of a person, rather than an individual's specific characteristics, and is used to ensure passenger privacy.
These scanners do not penetrate the skin and cannot see anything inside the body, including bones, organs, or items inside body cavities. They are not X-ray machines, and they do not use ionizing radiation. Instead, they detect anomalies based on the expected anatomy of either gender, and alert TSA officers to the presence of potential threats.
In certain cases, full-body scanners at airports may use backscatter X-ray technology, which employs low-dose radiation to detect suspicious metallic and non-metallic objects, including those hidden in body cavities. These scanners can produce images that may raise privacy concerns.
While airport scanners can detect the presence of objects, they do not provide information about the mass or density of those objects. However, in the field of medical diagnostics, X-ray technology is used to measure bone density and screen for conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.
DXA, DEXA, or bone density scans are imaging tests that use low-dose X-rays to measure bone density and screen for conditions that weaken bones. These scans can detect the strength and mineral content of bones, with denser bones appearing whiter on the scan. Bone density scans are considered safe for most people, although they are not recommended during pregnancy as even low doses of radiation could harm a developing fetus.
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Scanners can detect the smallest amounts of metal
Airport scanners are designed to detect a wide variety of materials, including metal objects. Metal detection remains a priority for security, as most weapons, such as firearms, knives, and bomb components, are made from metal.
Scanners are highly effective at identifying metallic objects due to the distinct way they appear in X-ray images. Even small parts of firearms, such as screws or springs, can be detected by X-ray scanners due to their metallic properties.
Metal detectors, a type of security device used in airports, employ magnetic fields to identify metal objects. When metal objects are present, the magnetic field is reflected back to the machine, triggering an alert for the operator. While these metal detectors can ignore very small amounts of metal, like buttons on clothing or small earrings, advanced X-ray scanners can detect even the smallest amounts of metal. These scanners can identify metallic objects by analyzing their shape, density, and other visual cues.
In addition to metal detection, airport scanners can also identify non-metallic threats. For example, advanced X-ray scanners can detect plastic or ceramic weapons and explosive components, which are challenging for older security systems to detect. Scanners can also flag liquids, gels, and aerosols that exceed certain volume limits, addressing concerns about liquid explosives. Furthermore, scanners can analyze powder substances to identify drugs or bomb-making materials.
While airport scanners have advanced capabilities, they are not infallible. They may struggle to establish the exact composition of scanned objects, requiring further investigation by security personnel.
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Scanners can detect paper
Airport scanners are used to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. They can detect a range of items, including metal objects, organic materials, and paper. While the technology behind these scanners is complex, the process of scanning a person's body and their luggage is relatively simple.
Body scanners at airports typically use millimeter-wave technology, which involves non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves. These waves do not penetrate the skin and therefore cannot see anything inside a person's body. Instead, they create a 3D image that resembles a fuzzy photo negative, which is sent to a remote monitor. The machine then indicates where any potential alarms occur, projecting them onto a neutral avatar to guide any necessary pat-downs.
However, full-body X-ray machines may be used in specific cases, such as when a passenger is suspected of swallowing drugs. These X-ray scanners can detect packages in a person's stomach, even if they are wrapped in plastic or contained in bottles. Additionally, X-ray scanners can identify paper, especially when it is arranged in bundles or large quantities, as is the case with currency.
While airport scanners can detect paper, it is important to note that security staff are primarily concerned with weapons and other potential safety hazards. They are not actively looking for paper or written documents unless they pose a security threat or are prohibited items. Any detection of paper by the scanners is typically incidental, and the staff's focus is on ensuring the safety of all individuals at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
No, airport body scanners do not see inside your body. They are designed to detect objects that may be hidden on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes. Some scanners can detect swallowed items or items hidden in body cavities.
Airport body scanners use a variety of technologies, including metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines. Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which is similar to the radiation used by wireless data transmitters.
No, airport body scanners do not show detailed images of a person's body. Instead, they provide a generic or nondescript avatar image of the human anatomy with a signal to indicate a "clear" or "stop and check".
Airport body scanners cannot detect drugs directly, but they can provide visual clues of drugs hidden under clothing or in baggage. Scanners can detect the presence of metal or paper, which may indicate the presence of drugs.
