Owais Crawford
Airport security systems use different screening instruments to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These include metal detectors, facial scanners, and full-body scanners, which can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, as well as organic materials and liquids. Full-body scanners, in particular, have become increasingly common since the 2000s due to concerns about non-metal objects being used in bombing attempts. While some full-body scanners use ionizing radiation, others, like millimeter-wave scanners, use non-ionizing radiation, which is considered safer. These scanners are designed to detect threats, including weapons, explosives, and drugs, and some can even detect swallowed items or objects hidden in body cavities.
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Metal objects
Metal detectors are used to ensure that passengers are not carrying any illegal or dangerous metal objects, such as weapons like guns, knives, or daggers. These metal detectors are essential in maintaining airport security and preventing potential threats.
Additionally, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines may also be used to detect metal objects. These machines use ionizing radiation to scan passengers and their luggage for any concealed items, including metal objects. The ionizing radiation passes through the scanned object and creates an image that can be analyzed for potential threats.
While metal detectors primarily focus on detecting metal objects, the other scanners mentioned above can detect various items, including non-metallic objects and illegal substances. These scanners are highly effective in identifying threats and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.
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Non-metallic objects
Airport security systems use ionizing radiation to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Metal detectors are one such device, which uses non-ionizing radiation to scan for hidden items.
Millimetre wave machines are another example of non-ionizing radiation scanners. These machines emit radiofrequency waves that bounce off the body and return to the scanner to detect threats. They can identify non-metallic objects, such as guns and knives, and organic materials. If no threats are detected, the screen turns green and displays an "OK" message. If an object is detected, it will appear on the screen with a generic body outline to indicate the location.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may perform a pat-down to confirm the detected object. These scanners do not show detailed body parts, but rather a generic body outline to ensure passenger privacy.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is used for full-body scans at airport checkpoints to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects.
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Narcotics and drugs
Airport security scanners are designed to detect narcotics and drugs hidden in luggage, on the body, or in body cavities. While the scanners cannot determine the exact composition of a substance, they can detect organic materials, and drugs will appear on the scan in a distinct orange colour.
X-ray scanners are an invaluable tool in identifying narcotics and drugs, and can be used on both baggage and people. DRUGUARD®, for example, is an automatic detection software designed for Transmission X-ray Full Body Security Scanners, which can detect internally concealed narcotics and drugs.
In addition to X-ray scanners, other methods of detection are used at airports to prevent drugs from entering facilities. Trace detection, for example, is a non-invasive way to determine whether someone has been handling illicit substances. This method involves wiping a person's hands or belongings with a small swab, which is then scanned for traces of explosives or other prohibited substances. The IONSCAN 600 is a highly sensitive, lightweight, and portable tool that uses this method to detect a wide range of narcotics, including opioids, and can distinguish between different varieties of the same drug.
Airport security scanners are an essential part of maintaining safety and preventing drug trafficking and smuggling.
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Liquids
To check for these threats, airports use a variety of screening instruments, including the INSIGHT100 Raman spectrometer, which has been used at many European and non-European airports for several years. This technology can distinguish harmless liquids from dangerous explosives, and its successor, the INSIGHT200M, can also check liquids in metal containers. Other equipment used at European airports includes the INSIGHT200M and the SEEKERe, which are also approved as liquid explosive detection systems (LEDS).
In addition to these technologies, airports also employ explosive trace detection, where the outside of hand luggage is swabbed and tested for trace amounts of explosives. This process can detect restricted substances or items that the luggage has come into contact with.
While these measures are essential for security, they can be inconvenient for travellers, particularly those with urgent medical needs or baby food requirements. However, exceptions can be made in such cases, provided airport security and safety are not compromised.
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Electronics
In addition to X-ray scans, some airports use millimeter wave machines, which use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to detect threats. These machines emit far less energy than a cell phone and are considered safe for all travelers, including children and pregnant women. They are also unable to store images of passengers. Millimeter wave machines can detect items hidden under clothing, such as non-metallic objects and organic materials, but they cannot detect items inside body cavities.
If a scan indicates a potential threat, TSA agents may perform a pat-down to confirm. This may involve a physical inspection of the device, and in some cases, a pat-down of the passenger.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport security scanners are looking for threats to transportation security, such as weapons, explosives, narcotics, and other dangerous or prohibited items.
There are several types of airport security scanners, including metal detectors, full-body scanners, and luggage scanners. Full-body scanners include backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines.
Airport body scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, including unlawful metals, devices hidden in clothing, and some organic materials. Some scanners can also detect items inside body cavities or swallowed objects.
Airport body scanners use very low doses of ionizing radiation that are reflected back towards the machine and do not get absorbed by the body. The health risks posed by these machines are still being studied, but the radiation exposure is considered safe for adults, children, and pregnant women.
If something sets off the airport scanner, you may be pulled aside for additional screening. This could include a pat-down or a request to remove light outer garments or bulky clothing.
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