Jazmin Li
X-ray machines are a common feature of airport security systems around the world. They are used to scan luggage and, in some cases, passengers. X-ray scanners use ionizing radiation to create images of luggage contents and detect objects hidden under clothing. While these machines are used in many countries, there is controversy surrounding their use due to privacy and health concerns. This has led to a ban on X-ray body scanners in Europe and the removal of backscatter X-ray machines from US airports. However, X-ray machines for luggage scanning remain prevalent, and the technology is constantly evolving to improve security and address health risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries using airport X-ray machines | At least 4 (including the US, UK, Ghana, and Nigeria) |
| Number of US airports with full-body X-ray scanners | 172 |
| Types of X-ray scanners | Backscatter X-ray scanners, Millimeter wave scanners |
| Concerns regarding X-ray scanners | Health concerns, Privacy concerns |
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What You'll Learn
Full-body scanners in the US
Full-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. They can detect non-metal objects and items hidden in body cavities, addressing security concerns that arose after various airliner bombing attempts in the 2000s.
In the United States, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandated that all full-body scanners operated in airports by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) use "Automated Target Recognition" software. This software replaces the image of a nude body with a cartoon-like representation, addressing privacy concerns raised by travellers and advocates. As a result of this legislation, all backscatter X-ray machines previously used by the TSA were removed from airports by May 2013.
Despite this, the use of full-body scanners in the US has faced criticism and sparked debates about safety and effectiveness. Some critics argue that the technology can be bypassed, and there are concerns about potential health risks associated with radiation exposure, especially for certain groups such as pilots and children. However, radiation safety authorities have stated that they are "not aware of any evidence" that full-body scans are unsafe.
Currently, there are 172 airports in the US that employ full-body X-ray scanners at security checkpoints. These include major airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Houston William P. Hobby Airport, and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Passengers can choose to opt out of the full-body scanners and instead receive a pat-down from a TSA employee, although this alternative may also be invasive.
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X-ray machines in Ghana and Nigeria
X-ray machines are used in airports worldwide to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These machines use electromagnetic waves to penetrate materials and detect distinct items inside carry-on luggage. They are also used as full-body scanners to detect non-metal objects, swallowed items, or items hidden in body cavities.
In West Africa, Ghana and Nigeria are among the countries utilizing X-ray technology for security purposes. The United States government has supplied higher-radiation through-body X-ray machines to these two countries for airport security. These machines can see through flesh and deliver significant doses of radiation. As of 2025, one airport in Ghana and four airports in Nigeria have reportedly deployed these U.S.-supplied scanners.
Ghana's aviation industry has been steadily growing, and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff is a top priority. While I cannot provide an exhaustive list of all the X-ray machines in Ghana, sources indicate the availability of digital ceiling-fixed X-ray machines in the country, which are used for medical imaging purposes. It is likely that similar X-ray machines are used in airport security, but the specific models and their capabilities may vary.
Nigeria, being a regional powerhouse, has a well-developed aviation industry. While specific details about the X-ray machines used in Nigerian airports are scarce, it is safe to assume that they are similar to those used in Ghana and other countries. Nigeria also has a range of X-ray machines available for medical imaging, as evidenced by online marketplaces offering devices such as the Ziehmvista C-arm X-ray machine and the SIREMOBIL Compact L for intraoperative imaging.
While X-ray machines play a crucial role in airport security, there are ongoing debates about the health and privacy implications of full-body scanners. Health concerns relate to the radiation doses delivered by these machines, especially for frequent fliers and aviation staff. Privacy concerns arise from the creation of virtual strip-search images, which may violate child pornography laws if they depict individuals under the age of 18. As a result, some countries have implemented privacy protections, such as the use of cartoon-like representations or generic outlines instead of nude body images.
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Privacy concerns in the UK
The use of X-ray machines and full-body scanners in airports has been a topic of debate for several years, with concerns about privacy and health risks. In the United Kingdom, there have been similar discussions and actions taken regarding privacy concerns.
In the UK, the Protection of Children Act of 1978 may be violated by full-body scanners that create images or pseudo-images of nude children. Civil rights groups in Britain in 2010 argued that scanning children's bodies was illegal under child pornography laws. This has led to the development of alternative technologies, such as passive infra-red scanners, which preserve privacy by detecting metallic and non-metallic objects without revealing body details.
The UK has also introduced 3-D X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanners at airports, which enhance security and speed up passenger movement. However, these new scanners significantly increase radiation exposure compared to previous X-ray machines. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has addressed this issue by implementing measures to protect against radiation exposure, such as advising passengers to carry their TLDs in hand baggage and asking security staff not to put them through the X-ray scanners.
Additionally, the UK has been proactive in addressing privacy concerns related to X-ray images. Unlike some other countries, the UK has not widely adopted backscatter X-ray machines, which were controversial due to privacy issues and health concerns. These machines produced detailed body images, leading to complaints from passengers about virtual strip searches and potential health risks. As a result, backscatter X-ray machines have been removed from airports in the US and Europe, including Manchester Airport, and replaced with millimeter-wave scanners, which use generic body outlines to eliminate privacy concerns.
While the UK has made strides in addressing privacy and health concerns related to airport X-ray machines, the ongoing evolution of technology and security threats means that regulations and practices will likely continue to adapt to balance security, privacy, and health considerations.
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Health concerns in Europe
Health concerns have been raised about the use of X-ray body scanners in airports in Europe. The two types of scanners used in airports are full-body millimetre radiation scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. When full-body X-ray scanners were introduced, doctors raised concerns about radiation exposure. In response, the FDA stated that independent measurements had been made and that the results were consistent with the dose specified by the manufacturer. The FDA also requires that all machines be correctly calibrated and maintained.
In 2011, doctors wrote a letter stating that there was "still no rigorous hard data for the safety of X-ray airport passenger scanners". They argued that the safety of the scanners had not been independently verified and that the tests were performed by the manufacturer using questionable test procedures. The FDA responded that the tests were performed by outside specialists as needed and that the equipment is maintained and kept in good working order. The equipment is also tested at least once a year to ensure it meets federal, state, and local safety standards.
The European Commission has also addressed the potential health effects of X-ray security scanners. They found that the dose levels from the use of security scanners are well below the range where any health effects are observable. They also noted that the risk of health effects from backscatter X-ray systems and millimetre wave machines is very low. However, they did find that the radiation doses from transmission scanners are at least 10 times higher than those from backscatter scanners, which could result in significantly higher cumulative doses. This is a particular concern for individuals who are frequently exposed, such as airline crews, frequent flyers, and airport personnel.
Despite these assurances, some people still choose to opt out of the X-ray scanners and request a pat-down search instead. This option is available to those who are concerned about radiation exposure or privacy issues. However, it is important to note that avoiding airports with full-body scanners may limit travel options and make the travel experience more frustrating and expensive.
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X-ray alternatives
X-ray scanners are a critical component of airport security systems, providing detailed images of luggage contents and helping security personnel identify potential threats. However, some airports are exploring alternative methods to enhance security and address privacy concerns associated with X-ray technology. Here are some alternatives to X-ray scanners currently in use or under consideration:
Millimeter Wave Scanners
Millimeter wave scanners are one of the three primary full-body scanner technologies used in airports. These scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation similar to that used by wireless data transmitters. They operate at extremely high frequencies, but with a lower frequency than visible light. Millimeter wave scanners do not generate ionizing radiation, but the health risks posed by prolonged exposure are still being studied. These scanners are widely used in the United States, with 172 airports employing them as of 2023.
Backscatter X-ray Scanners
Backscatter X-ray scanners are another type of full-body scanner that uses low-dose radiation to detect metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing, shoes, or body cavities. While these scanners can provide better performance in inspecting certain areas of the body, they have been criticized for exposing individuals to additional ionizing radiation. The European Commission has recommended against their routine use, and they have been removed from airports in the United States due to contractual issues and privacy concerns.
Chemical-Based Scanners
Chemical-based scanners, such as "sniffers," are an alternative to X-ray scanners that can detect trace amounts of explosive chemicals. These devices analyze cloth swabs taken from electronic devices or use walk-through models to detect explosives and narcotics in enclosed spaces and unattended luggage. Chemical-based scanners are already in use at some airports, enhancing security without relying solely on X-ray technology.
Bomb-Sniffing Dogs
Bomb-sniffing dogs are another effective alternative to X-ray scanners, offering a highly trained sense of smell to detect explosives. While they may not provide the same level of detail as X-ray images, they are capable of identifying potential threats without exposing individuals to radiation or raising privacy concerns. Bomb-sniffing dogs are often used in conjunction with other security measures to ensure a multi-layered approach to airport security.
Passenger Profiling
Passenger profiling involves behavioral analysis and selective screening based on risk assessment. This method, used in Israeli airports, focuses on identifying suspicious behaviors and targeting high-risk passengers for additional screening. While it does not replace X-ray scanners entirely, it can help allocate security resources more efficiently and improve the overall effectiveness of security checks.
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Frequently asked questions
Many countries use X-ray machines at their airports, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and Nigeria.
X-ray machines are used to check carry-on items and luggage for dangerous or prohibited items. They can detect metal and non-metal objects, including weapons, chemicals, and liquids.
Yes, there are concerns about privacy and health risks associated with X-ray machines. Privacy concerns have been raised as X-ray machines can create graphic images of passengers. Health concerns have also been raised as X-ray machines emit ionizing radiation, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Alternatives to X-ray machines include millimeter-wave scanners, which use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, and physical searches or pat-downs.
Yes, you can opt for a physical search or pat-down instead of going through an X-ray machine. However, this may be more invasive and could make your travel experience more frustrating and expensive.
