Jazmin Li
Full-body scanners are used at airports to detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes. They can detect non-metal objects, which metal detectors cannot, and have been supplementing metal detectors at airports since 2007. Millimeter wave scanners, a type of full-body scanner, use electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high-frequency radio band, typically between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. These scanners emit millimeter waves that penetrate clothing but reflect off the body to reveal any concealed objects. While these scanners do not use ionizing radiation like X-rays, there are still concerns about the potential health risks posed by exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields.
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What You'll Learn
Millimeter wave scanners
Millimeter-wave (mmWave) scanners are whole-body imaging devices used in airport security checkpoints to detect objects concealed underneath a person's clothing. They use electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band, which is a lower frequency than visible light. Millimeter waves are a subset of the microwave radio frequency spectrum and are non-ionizing, meaning they do not cause cancer by radiolytic DNA bond cleavage. The typical frequency range used by millimeter-wave scanners falls between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.
Millimeter-wave scanners work by emitting millimeter waves, similar to Wi-Fi signals but at a higher frequency, that penetrate clothing and reflect off the body and any concealed objects. These waves are produced by a series of small, disc-like transmitters stacked on top of each other, with each transmitter emitting a pulse of energy. The waves pass through the clothing and reflect off any concealed solid or liquid objects, returning to the transmitters (now acting as receivers) that detect the signal. The software in the scanner system then interprets the data and presents an image to the operator.
There are two types of millimeter-wave scanners: active and passive. Active scanners direct millimeter wave energy at the subject and interpret the reflected energy, while passive systems create images using only ambient radiation and radiation emitted from the human body or objects. Active scanners transmit millimeter waves from two antennas simultaneously as they rotate around the body.
Millimeter-wave scanners have been the subject of privacy and health concerns. In 2013, the U.S. Congress prohibited the display of detailed images and required the use of Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software to display a generic body outline instead of the person's actual skin. Millimeter-wave scanners with ATR software produce a generic outline of a person, highlighting any areas that may require additional screening. Regarding health concerns, the energy density required to produce thermal injury in the skin is much higher than that typically delivered by an active millimeter-wave scanner. However, the potential biological effects of millimeter-wave radiation are still being studied, and research in this area is ongoing.
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Health concerns
Airport body scanners have raised concerns about radiation exposure and related health risks. The two primary types of body scanners used in airports are:
Millimeter-Wave Scanners
Millimeter-wave scanners use non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves. They operate using electromagnetic radiation at a frequency of about 30 GHz, which corresponds to a wavelength of 10 millimeters. This technology involves two antennas rotating around the body to create a 3D image, which helps detect concealed items. Millimeter-wave scanners do not use X-rays and thus do not contribute to ionizing radiation exposure.
Backscatter X-ray Scanners
Backscatter X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use ionizing radiation in the form of low-intensity X-ray beams to create detailed images of the body. This type of scanner has been controversial due to privacy concerns and potential health risks. As a result, they have been phased out in many countries, including the United States, and replaced by millimeter-wave scanners, which are considered safer.
The use of airport scanners, particularly those employing X-ray backscatter technology, has sparked concerns about potential health risks from radiation exposure. While millimeter-wave scanners are generally regarded as safer due to their use of non-ionizing radiation, some researchers argue that even non-ionizing radiation is not completely harmless. The potential health effects of millimeter waves are still being studied, and evidence remains mixed.
Some experts, like Martin Pall, have outlined various pathophysiological effects that may be associated with millimeter waves and similar 5G technology, including neurological impacts, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and fertility issues. Additionally, Dr. David O Carpenter's research suggests that radiofrequency radiation from 5G technology could potentially lead to cancer in animals.
Physician Farah Naz Khan has also questioned the safety of advanced imaging technology used in airport scanners, prompting discussions about the potential health risks. However, the National Academies report suggests that the short exposure time, weak intensity, and lack of penetration of millimeter wave scanners make them relatively harmless. The risk of any health hazard from an airport scanner is considered extremely low, comparable to the already minimal risk associated with cell phone use.
To address health concerns, individuals can opt for a pat-down search instead of passing through full-body scanners. This option is provided at TSA checkpoints in airports in the United States, allowing passengers to choose their preferred screening method.
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Privacy concerns
Airport body scanners have been a topic of debate for many years, with some people arguing that they are an invasion of privacy. These scanners, also known as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, use active imaging technology to create detailed, three-dimensional images of passengers without using ionizing radiation like X-rays. Instead, they use millimetre waves, which are a type of non-ionizing radiation with a frequency between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. This technology allows the scanners to detect objects on or inside a person's body, including non-metal objects, without physical contact or removing clothes.
While these scanners have been implemented to enhance security, particularly after the 9/11 attacks and the 2009 "Underwear Bomber" incident, they have raised several privacy concerns. One of the main concerns is the level of detail that these scanners can reveal about a person's body. Some people argue that using a full-body scanner is equivalent to a strip search and that it violates basic human rights, especially if used without probable cause. The scanners can detect prosthetics, medical equipment, and other personal items that individuals may not want to disclose. Additionally, there have been concerns about the storage and transmission of images. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initially stated that the scanners could not store images of passengers, they later disclosed that the machines had image storage and transmission capabilities, raising questions about passenger privacy.
Another concern is the potential for discrimination and profiling based on the information revealed by the scanners. For example, the transgender community has expressed worries that the use of body scanners could lead to their harassment or unfair treatment. There is also the possibility that certain groups of people may be disproportionately targeted for additional screening based on the scanner's findings.
Furthermore, passengers have complained about the alternative screening methods offered to those who opt out of the body scanners. In some cases, individuals who declined the full-body scan were subjected to invasive pat-downs, described as "probing and pushing," which some travellers found uncomfortable and invasive. This raises concerns about the balance between security measures and respecting individuals' privacy and comfort.
To address these concerns, some airports have implemented safeguards to protect passenger privacy. For example, the TSA now uses millimetre wave AIT scanners that show a generic outline of a person instead of detailed images. Additionally, officers located in remote areas who view the scans cannot see the identity of the passenger being screened and use radios to communicate the location of any prohibited items. While these measures aim to protect privacy, the debate continues as to whether full-body scanners infringe on individuals' rights and how to best balance security needs with privacy expectations.
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Alternative screening methods
Millimeter wave (mmWave) scanners, also known as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, are one of the three distinct technologies used in full-body scanners. They use electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band, which is a lower frequency than visible light. The typical frequency range used by mmWave scanners falls between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.
Due to the potential health risks posed by full-body scanners, some countries offer alternative screening methods for passengers with medical or physical conditions that prevent them from undergoing a body scan. These alternative methods include:
- Pat-downs: A manual pat-down conducted by a TSA officer or other security staff. This method is often used for passengers who opt out of full-body scans due to personal preference, privacy concerns, or medical conditions.
- Metal detectors: Metal detectors have been used for many years at airport security checkpoints and are still commonly used today. They can detect metal objects on a person's body or in their belongings.
- Handheld metal detectors: These are used in conjunction with metal detectors and are often used for more targeted searches.
- Explosive trace detection: This method uses machines, such as X-ray machines and "puffer machines", to detect traces of explosives.
- Biometric scanning: Certain checkpoints may use biometric scanning for non-passenger screening at entry points to restricted areas.
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV): CCTV systems with facial recognition technology are used to monitor activities in airports and identify people who may pose a security risk.
- Interrogation: In some countries, such as Israel, security officers interrogate travellers using racial profiling, questioning their reasons for travelling to the country and asking general questions about their trip to search for inconsistencies.
- Conversation: In some countries, specially trained individuals engage passengers in conversation to detect threats rather than solely relying on equipment.
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Non-ionizing radiation
Lasers commonly operate in the UV, visible, and IR frequencies, and are primarily a hazard to the eyes and skin. Common lasers include CO2 IR laser, helium-neon, neodymium YAG, ruby visible lasers, and the nitrogen UV laser. Non-ionizing radiation is also used in various technologies, including radio broadcasting, telecommunications, medical imaging, and heat therapy.
Microwave radiation is absorbed near the skin, while radiofrequency radiation may be absorbed throughout the body. Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and base stations has been the subject of debate, with some experiments suggesting possible biological effects at non-thermal exposure levels. However, the evidence for the production of health hazards is contradictory and unproven, and the consensus is that there is no consistent and convincing scientific evidence of adverse health effects caused by RF radiation at low-power levels.
Millimetre wave scanners, a type of full-body scanner used in airport security, operate in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band, which is a lower frequency than visible light. These scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation similar to that used by wireless data transmitters. The typical frequency range used by millimetre wave scanners falls between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. While the health risks posed by these machines are still being studied, they do not generate ionizing radiation.
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Frequently asked questions
Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high-frequency (EHF) radio band. The frequency range falls between 30 GHz and 300 GHz.
Airport body scanners are used for security screening to detect and locate forbidden objects concealed under a person's clothing.
Airport body scanners can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, including plastics, ceramics, rubber, liquids, gels, and powders.
Millimeter wave scanners use active imaging technology to create detailed, three-dimensional images of passengers. The scanners emit millimeter waves that penetrate clothing but reflect off the body, revealing any concealed objects.
There are health concerns relating to the use of full-body scanning technology, particularly X-ray scanners, which can damage human body cells. Millimeter wave scanners do not use ionizing radiation, and the health risks posed by these machines are still being studied.
