Owais Crawford
Airport X-ray 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 are commonly used in airports to detect any threats such as weapons or explosives that a person could be carrying under their clothing. These scanners use low levels of backscatter X-ray ionizing radiation and millimeter wave non-ionizing radiation to create a 3-D image of the person's body, which is sent to a remote monitor. While these scanners have raised health concerns, especially for pregnant women and children, regulatory bodies like the FDA ensure that the radiation levels are safe. As of 2025, there are 172 airports in the US that employ X-ray full-body scanners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Security screening to detect objects on or inside a person's body |
| Clothing removal | No |
| Physical contact | No |
| Detection | Detects non-metal objects |
| Type of radiation | Ionizing radiation |
| Type of scanner | Millimeter wave scanners, backscatter X-ray scanners, full-body scanners |
| Image produced | Detailed outline of the human body, cartoon-like representation |
| Health concerns | Exposure to radiation, risk of cancer |
| Safety measures | FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) ensures safety |
| Alternative methods | Pat-downs, passenger profiling |
| Number of airports with scanners in the US | 172 |
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What You'll Learn
Health concerns and safety regulations
One of the primary health concerns relates to the potential damage caused by X-ray radiation. X-rays used in medical imaging vary in intensity to capture images of the body, whereas backscatter X-ray scanners detect radiation reflected off the person. The potential harm caused by ionizing radiation depends on the dose. At low doses, cells can repair damage rapidly, but at moderate doses, cells can become cancerous or lead to abnormalities. The dose from airport scanners is considered exceedingly low, and the risk of harm is deemed trivial by the TSA. However, some experts argue that even a small risk per person could be significant given the large number of passengers scanned annually.
Additionally, there are concerns about the accuracy of cancer risk projections. The distribution of exposure from backscatter X-rays is concentrated in the skin and breast tissue, which differs from the whole-body exposure assumed by existing models. As a result, the available models may not accurately estimate cancer risks, particularly for individuals more sensitive to radiation, such as children.
In response to these concerns, the FDA has stated that the radiation dose is minuscule and that safety measures are in place to limit passenger and worker exposure. The FDA also requires TSA equipment to be tested and maintained regularly to ensure it meets federal and state safety standards. Despite these assurances, some doctors and organizations like the Environmental Health Trust continue to raise concerns about the lack of rigorous independent safety data and the potential health risks of airport X-ray body scanners.
To address privacy concerns, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandated the use of "Automated Target Recognition" software, replacing nude body images with cartoon-like representations. This led to the removal of backscatter X-ray machines from airports by May 2013, as the vendor did not meet the deadline to implement the software.
It is worth noting that alternative screening methods, such as passenger profiling, and millimeter wave scanners, have been proposed to replace full-body scanners. Millimeter wave scanners emit extremely low-energy waves and are now being adopted in airports due to health concerns over X-ray scanners. However, the safety of these systems is also questionable, as they use similar frequencies to 5G technology, which has faced scrutiny.
Overall, while airport X-ray body scanners have raised health concerns, regulatory bodies like the FDA and TSA maintain that the radiation exposure is safe and within acceptable limits. Nevertheless, ongoing debates and the absence of rigorous independent safety data highlight the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of safety regulations in this area.
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How they work
Airport body scanners use low levels of radiation to detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes. They can detect non-metal objects and generate a detailed outline of the human body, which is used to identify contraband hidden under clothing.
Backscatter X-ray scanners, which were previously used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, utilized very low-dose X-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging. However, due to health concerns and privacy issues, these machines were replaced by millimetre-wave scanners, which do not use X-rays and do not expose individuals to ionizing radiation.
Millimetre-wave scanners emit extremely low-energy waves and capture the reflected energy to create a 3D image. They are equipped with two antennas that rotate around the person's body, and the resulting image is sent to a remote monitor. This technology can identify concealed metal, plastics, ceramics, chemical materials, and explosives.
It is important to note that alternative screening methods, such as pat-downs, are recommended for pregnant women, babies, children, and people with disabilities. Additionally, individuals can opt for a full-body pat-down as an alternative to the body scanner if they feel uncomfortable.
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Privacy and comfort
To address privacy concerns, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has implemented several measures. These include blurring faces in the scanned images, using software to make the images less provocative, and displaying a chalk outline of the scanned subject. Additionally, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandated the use of "Automated Target Recognition" software, which replaces the image of a nude body with a cartoon-like representation. This led to the removal of all backscatter X-ray machines from airports by May 2013.
Despite these measures, there have been reports of improper saving and dissemination of tens of thousands of scanner images, raising concerns about the effectiveness of privacy safeguards. Religious groups, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Electronic Privacy and Information Center (EPIC) have protested the use of these scans, with EPIC filing a lawsuit alleging violations of various laws and acts, including the Fourth Amendment and the Privacy Act.
It is important to note that alternative screening methods, such as passenger profiling, have been suggested as a less invasive means of ensuring security. Additionally, the European Commission has recommended that alternative screening methods should be used for pregnant women, babies, children, and people with disabilities.
While full-body scanners may raise privacy concerns, authorities have taken steps to address these issues and ensure traveller comfort. The use of such technology is regulated, and ongoing debates around privacy and alternative methods contribute to a dynamic landscape where traveller comfort is a key consideration.
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Cancer risk
There are two types of full-body scanners used in airports: millimeter radiation scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. Backscatter X-ray scanners use ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to knock electrons away from atoms, creating free radicals that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. However, the dose of radiation emitted by these scanners is very low and it is not known whether there is any potential for causing harm. According to the TSA, the cancer risk is trivial.
Some experts have expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with airport X-ray body scanners. They argue that while the radiation exposure from these scanners is low, it could still carry a small cancer risk, especially for frequent flyers and children, who are more sensitive to the effects of radiation. There are also concerns about the impact of repeated exposure over time.
On the other hand, some experts argue that the cancer risk from airport X-ray body scanners is negligible. They point out that the dose of radiation from these scanners is so low that it is similar to the radiation exposure from other sources, such as food or flying in a plane. Additionally, the distribution of exposure from these scanners is concentrated in the superficial tissues, primarily the skin, which further reduces the potential risk of cancer.
While there may be some uncertainty about the exact cancer risk associated with airport X-ray body scanners, it is important to consider ways to minimize potential harm. One recommendation is to opt for a pat-down search instead of the full-body scan to reduce radiation exposure. Additionally, travelers can arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for a pat-down if they choose to opt out of the body scanner.
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Alternative screening methods
Airport security is a complex and multi-layered system that requires careful planning and implementation. It is important to integrate various security methods to achieve the best results and adapt to evolving threats.
Passive Infra-Red Scanners
Passive infra-red scanners detect metallic and non-metallic "threat objects" by analyzing the natural heat radiation emitted by the human body. They preserve privacy as no body details are revealed and do not use an external radiation source. These scanners are being trialed in London rail stations, and the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see significant growth in their adoption.
Millimeter Wave Scanners
Millimeter-wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high-frequency radio band, similar to wireless data transmitters. They do not generate ionizing radiation and emit extremely low-energy waves, making them safer than X-ray scanners. However, the health risks posed by these scanners are still being studied, and evidence is mixed.
Biometric Scanning
Biometric scanning is used at checkpoints for non-passenger screening at restricted areas. This technology includes closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems with facial recognition capabilities, allowing for the timely identification and flagging of potential security risks.
Traditional Methods
Traditional screening methods are still widely used in conjunction with newer technologies. These include metal detectors, pat-downs, handheld metal detectors, and explosives trace detection devices. X-ray machines are also commonly used to scan carry-on luggage and checked baggage to detect prohibited items.
It is important to note that the choice of screening methods may vary depending on the country, with organizations like the TSA in the US and the European Union leaving the decision to implement full-body scanners to individual member states or airports.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport X-ray body scanner is a device that detects objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes, without physically removing clothes or making physical contact.
There are health concerns relating to the use of full-body scanning technology, especially concerning X-ray scanners. The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) ensures that all X-ray systems and other radiation-emitting screening equipment are built to use radiation safely. The issue is mainly regulated by ANSI 43.17.2009, which limits the dose on a per-person basis.
Airport X-ray body scanners use backscatter technology to detect radiation that reflects off a person's body. They generate a detailed outline of the human body to identify contraband hidden under clothing.
