Owais Crawford
Many pregnant women worry about the safety of airport body scanners and the potential harm they could cause to their baby. However, according to the CDC, common exposures to nonionizing radiation do not pose a risk to pregnant women and their babies. Airport scanners in the US come in two types: millimeter-wave scanners and x-ray backscatter scanners, both of which are safe to use. The scanners use low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus, and the amount of radiation exposure is not high enough to pose a threat to human health. If you are still concerned, you can request a pat-down or hand search instead, although you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Generally considered safe for pregnant women and their fetuses, with no known risks |
| Radiation type | Non-ionizing radiation (lower energy than ionizing radiation) |
| Radiation exposure | Lower than that of a cell phone or a flight |
| Scanner type | Millimeter-wave scanners and X-ray backscatter scanners |
| Image produced | Body image not produced, only a humanoid avatar |
| Alternative | Pat-down or physical search by a female officer (may require waiting) |
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What You'll Learn
Millimeter-wave scanners are safe for pregnant women
The radiation emitted by millimeter-wave scanners is low-intensity and similar to the radiofrequency waves used by cell phones and other communication devices. The emissions from millimeter-wave scanners are third-party verified and scrutinized, including by the FDA, and the levels are much lower than those from a cell phone. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also states that security scanners, including millimeter-wave scanners, are considered safe, with no known risks for pregnant women or their fetuses.
Despite concerns about the amount of radiation exposure from airport scanners, studies have shown that it is not high enough to pose a threat to human health, whether pregnant or not. A 2011 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine estimated the risk of cancer from radiation exposure with backscatter scanners and found that the risks to health were "truly trivial." The researchers estimated that there are theoretically six types of cancers that could occur among 100 million flyers during their lifetime due to exposure from backscatter scans. However, these six types of cancers are minimal compared to the 40 million cancers that would develop in these individuals over their lifetimes due to other factors.
The flight itself exposes you to more radiation than a single backscatter or millimeter-wave scan. The amount of radiation from one backscatter scan is equivalent to one to three minutes of flight time. According to Andrew Karam, a board-certified radiation safety professional, "it's just not possible for a woman taking a flight to be exposed to enough radiation from that flight to cause any problems with her pregnancy."
If you are still concerned about walking through a millimeter-wave scanner at the airport, you can always request a pat-down instead, which will be done by a female Transportation Security Officer.
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X-ray backscatter scanners are safe and don't penetrate the skin
X-ray backscatter scanners are safe and do not penetrate the skin. These scanners use low-dose radiation to detect suspicious metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing, in shoes, and in body cavities. The radiation dose from these scanners is typically between 0.05 and 0.1 μSv, which is significantly below the recommended limit for safe exposure.
The safety of X-ray backscatter scanners has been a subject of debate, with some researchers arguing that the amount of radiation exposure is higher than claimed by authorities and manufacturers. However, other experts, including radiologists, disagree with these claims, stating that the radiation dose is low and does not pose a significant health risk. The concerns regarding skin dosage have been addressed by the inventor of the body scanner, Dr. Steven Smith, who demonstrated that the imaging penetration value used in calculations is incorrect, and that the actual dosage is determined by deeper dose penetration.
X-ray backscatter scanners have been replaced in many airports with millimeter-wave scanners or Advanced Image Technology (AIT) scanners, which do not use ionizing radiation and are considered safer and less intrusive. These scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which has lower energy and does not penetrate as far into the body as ionizing radiation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-ionizing radiation is safe for pregnant women and their babies, as it does not have enough energy to cause damage to cells.
While the safety of X-ray backscatter scanners has been a topic of discussion, it is important to note that the radiation exposure from these scanners is minimal and does not pose a significant threat to human health, including pregnant individuals. The amount of radiation from a single backscatter scan is equivalent to one to three minutes of flight time, and the flight itself exposes an individual to more radiation than a full-body scan.
In summary, X-ray backscatter scanners are generally considered safe, with radiation doses well below the recommended limits. While some concerns have been raised about the accuracy of dosage calculations, the majority of these scanners have been replaced with alternative technologies that are safer and less intrusive, ensuring the safety of all individuals, including pregnant women and their babies.
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Metal detectors are an alternative but have more radiation
Metal detectors are another option for security screening at airports. However, it is important to note that metal detectors emit non-ionizing radiation, which is generally considered safe. This type of radiation is also used in full-body millimeter-wave scanners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to non-ionizing radiation does not pose a risk to pregnant women and their babies. The radiation from these devices is significantly lower than international safety standards and even lower than the natural background radiation we encounter daily.
While metal detectors emit non-ionizing radiation, it is worth mentioning that some airport security systems use ionizing radiation. This type of radiation is found in X-ray backscatter scanners and is considered more harmful. However, the amount of radiation exposure from backscatter scanners is still very low and has not been shown to pose a significant threat to human health, including pregnant individuals.
When it comes to radiation exposure during pregnancy, the CDC states that a fetus can safely be exposed to a maximum of 100 millisieverts (0.1 Gray) of ionizing radiation without harmful effects. A backscatter scan exposes an individual to approximately 0.00003 to 0.0001 millisieverts, which is well below the recommended limit.
It is important to understand that the radiation emitted by metal detectors is negligible and significantly lower than other sources of radiation we may encounter, such as during air travel. At cruising altitude, passengers are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation due to reduced atmospheric shielding.
Additionally, alternative screening methods are available for pregnant women who prefer extra caution. These include pat-downs or handheld wand scans, which can provide peace of mind while ensuring security and safety compliance at airports.
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You can opt for a physical search instead of a body scan
While airport body scanners are generally considered safe for pregnant women, you may still opt for a physical search instead of a body scan if you are uncomfortable or concerned about the potential risks.
Some people feel uneasy about the body scanners because of privacy issues, as there have been reports of leaked body scans and inappropriate behaviour by TSA agents viewing the scans. Others worry about the potential health risks of radiation exposure, especially during pregnancy. It's important to note that airport scanners use non-ionizing radiation, which is lower energy and does not penetrate the skin, according to experts. The amount of radiation exposure from these scanners is also well below the permissible exposure level set by the Radiation Protection Standard.
If you still prefer to avoid the body scanners, you can request a physical search, also known as a pat-down. Keep in mind that you may have to wait for a female security officer to become available, and the process may take longer than the regular screening, so it is advisable to arrive at the airport early. During the pat-down, a female security officer will run her hands along your body, including your breasts and belly, to check for any hidden weapons or prohibited items.
The option to choose a physical search instead of a body scan is there to accommodate your preferences and comfort level. While airport body scanners are deemed safe, it is ultimately your decision, and you can opt for the alternative screening method if it makes you feel more at ease during your pregnancy.
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Flying exposes you to more radiation than body scanners
When it comes to air travel during pregnancy, one concern that often arises is the exposure to radiation, particularly from airport body scanners. While it is true that these scanners emit low levels of radiation, it's important to understand that flying itself exposes you to significantly more radiation than the scanners.
Airport body scanners utilize two types of technology: millimeter-wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners emit extremely low-energy waves, delivering only a small fraction of the energy produced by a cell phone. Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use very low-dose X-rays, similar to those employed in medical imaging. These scanners are designed to capture reflected energy to create a detailed outline of the human body, helping to identify any contraband hidden under clothing.
The radiation exposure from these scanners is indeed low. According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the backscatter X-ray scanners expose individuals to 0.03–0.1 μSv per scan, which is equivalent to just 3–9 minutes of natural background radiation exposure. This is significantly lower than the radiation exposure you'd receive during a flight.
Flying exposes you to cosmic radiation, which originates from stars, including our sun. The longer the flight duration and the higher the altitude, the greater the radiation exposure. For example, a flight across the United States from the east coast to the west coast would result in an exposure of about 0.035 mSv of cosmic radiation. This is still within safe limits, but it's important to be aware of the cumulative effects of radiation exposure, especially for frequent flyers.
Additionally, it's worth noting that radiation exposure during air travel is generally considered low risk. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed software, CARI-6, that can estimate in-flight galactic radiation exposures. This tool helps assess the risk of radiation harm from flying, which is typically lower than the annual exposure from medical diagnostic equipment. Nevertheless, for those seeking to minimize radiation exposure, choosing flights at lower latitudes and avoiding high-altitude flights can help reduce the levels of ionizing radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport body scanners are safe for pregnant women. They emit low-intensity radiation that does not penetrate the skin or harm the fetus.
Airport body scanners use non-ionizing radiation, which is the least harmful type of radiation. It has lower energy than ionizing radiation and cannot damage the cells of a fetus.
No, airport body scanners do not produce a body image, so they cannot see your baby. They use low-intensity rays that can penetrate through clothes but not the skin.
Yes, if you are uncomfortable going through an airport body scanner while pregnant, you can opt out and request a physical search or pat-down instead. However, you may be asked to loosen or remove some clothing.
While it is generally considered safe to go through airport body scanners during pregnancy, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist or your doctor, before planning air travel during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
