Ruth Haines
X-rays are a common feature of airport security, used to scan luggage and passengers for illegal substances, weapons, and other dangerous items. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States uses body-scanning units that employ millimeter-wave technology, which does not use X-rays. However, other countries and airports may use backscatter X-ray machines, which emit low levels of ionizing radiation. These X-ray systems use shades of orange to represent organic materials, as most explosives fall under this category. The images produced by X-rays allow operators to identify distinct items inside bags or on people, ensuring the safety of travelers and staff. While X-ray technology has improved, with CT X-ray screening systems speeding up security checks, concerns have been raised about potential damage to unprocessed film passing through these powerful scanners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of X-rays | Backscatter X-ray, Dual-Energy X-ray, Standard X-ray, CT X-ray |
| Purpose | To scan luggage for illegal substances, dangerous items, and weapons |
| Machine Operators | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners |
| Training | Trained to look for suspicious items like guns, knives, and components of an improvised explosive device (IED) |
| Machine Function | Sends out X-rays in the range of 140 to 160 kilovolt peak (KVP) |
| KVP | Refers to the amount of penetration an X-ray makes |
| Image Display | A computer circuit compares the pick-ups of two detectors to represent low-energy objects |
| Colour Coding | All X-ray systems use shades of orange to represent "organic" as most explosives are organic |
| Safety Measures | Tested at least once a year to meet federal, state, and local safety standards |
| Regulating Bodies | FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) |
| Alternative Methods | Metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, cabinet X-ray machines, and millimeter-wave technology |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray technologies used at airports
Airport security systems use X-ray machines, metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses X-ray machines to screen carry-on items and checked luggage for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids.
X-rays are electromagnetic waves with high energy, allowing them to penetrate various materials. The X-ray machines used in airports typically operate within a range of 140 to 160 kilovolt peak (KVP), which refers to the penetration depth of the X-ray. The higher the KVP, the greater the X-ray's penetration.
The dual-energy X-ray system is commonly used in airports. This system utilizes a single X-ray source that emits X-rays through a detector, a filter, and then another detector. The X-rays, after passing through the scanned item, are captured by the second detector. This detector then sends the X-rays through a filter that blocks lower-energy X-rays, allowing only high-energy X-rays to pass through to the final detector. A computer circuit compares the readings from the two detectors to differentiate between low-energy and high-energy objects, helping identify organic materials, such as explosives. Machine operators are trained to identify suspicious items, including components that could be used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Backscatter X-ray machines are another type of X-ray technology used in airport body scanners. These machines use two detectors to measure beam absorption and penetration, creating a transmission image and a backscatter image. The transmission image shows the absorption of X-rays by heavy elements, while the backscatter image forms when the beam bounces back towards the detector, displaying light elements. Backscatter X-rays are particularly effective in penetrating organic materials, making them suitable for body scanners. Additionally, CT scanners, a more powerful variation of traditional X-ray machines, are becoming more common in airports, especially in the U.S.
To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) mandates that all X-ray systems and radiation-emitting equipment must be designed to use radiation safely. The equipment is regularly tested to comply with federal, state, and local safety standards.
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How X-rays work
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with higher energy levels. This means they can pass through most objects, including the human body. When an X-ray is taken, the X-ray beam is aimed at the area to be imaged, and the patient is positioned between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the X-ray film or a specialised image plate. The X-rays pass through the body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the tissues they pass through. For example, bones contain calcium, which has a higher atomic number than most other tissues, so they absorb more X-rays and appear whiter on the X-ray image, while less dense tissues like fat, muscle, and air-filled cavities allow more of the X-rays to pass through and appear darker.
X-ray technology has been adapted for use in airport security systems to keep people safe while travelling. These systems use backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to scan luggage and check passengers for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items. The X-ray systems used in airports are typically based on dual-energy X-ray technology, with a single X-ray source emitting X-rays in the range of 140 to 160 kilovolt peak (KVP), which refers to the amount of penetration of the X-ray.
The images produced by X-rays are called radiographs, and they represent the "shadows" formed by the objects inside the body or luggage. These images can be created on photographic film or by using digital X-ray detectors. In the case of airport security, a computer circuit compares the data from two detectors to better represent low-energy objects, such as organic materials, and the resulting image is displayed on a monitor for a machine operator to analyse. The operators are trained to look for suspicious items, including components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the images use shades of orange to represent organic materials since most explosives fall into this category.
X-ray technology has also evolved to include X-ray tomosynthesis, which uses multiple images taken from different angles to generate three-dimensional images. This technique requires less radiation and expense compared to traditional CT imaging, which involves physically moving the source/detector around the patient.
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Safety standards for X-ray machines
X-ray machines are a common feature of airport security systems. They are used to scan luggage and passengers for prohibited items, such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids, to ensure the safety of travellers. While these machines emit radiation, safety measures are in place to prevent the exposure of workers and travellers to high levels of radiation.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States is responsible for maintaining and regularly testing X-ray equipment to ensure it meets federal, state, and local safety standards. The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) sets strict standards for the safe use of radiation in X-ray systems and other screening equipment. These standards include requirements for the amount of radiation that can escape the machine, as well as the presence of locks, warning lights, and labels.
Additionally, the ANSI/HPS N43.17-2009 standard outlines specific radiation safety protocols for airport X-ray backscatter AIT systems. It limits the radiation dose per screening and requires compliance with operational procedures to ensure the safe use of the machines. Manufacturers of X-ray AIT systems must also comply with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, which outline radiation dose limits for occupationally exposed individuals.
To further ensure safety, airport security systems often employ a combination of screening equipment, including metal detectors, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. Some of these devices use non-ionizing radiation, which poses less risk to individuals being scanned. Overall, the risk of health effects from X-ray exposure during airport security screening is considered very low, and travellers can opt for alternative screening methods, such as a pat-down search, if they have concerns about radiation exposure.
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Items that can be damaged by X-rays
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners at airports use X-ray machines to check passengers and their personal items for dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids that are not allowed as carry-on items. While these X-rays are generally considered safe, there are some items that can be damaged by them.
Photographic film is one such item. While most film rated at 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, are significantly more powerful and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can ruin a roll of film. For this reason, photographers are advised to request a manual inspection of their film or to use film mailers to have their film sent directly to a lab for developing, bypassing airport security on the way home.
Non-digital X-rays used in medical settings can also be damaged by water. These X-rays contain an emulsion, a light-sensitive coating that contains microscopic silver halide crystals suspended in a gel-like substance. When this emulsion comes into contact with water, the gel-like substance begins to dissolve, and the film takes on a slippery feel. If acted upon quickly, it is possible to salvage water-damaged X-rays through a process of freeze-drying or hand-drying.
In addition to these items, there is some evidence to suggest that X-rays can cause damage to human DNA, particularly in children. According to one source, an average CT scan may raise the chance of fatal cancer by 1 in 2,000. However, this risk is relatively low compared to the natural incidence of fatal cancer, and some researchers argue that X-ray procedures carry no risk at all, as the type of radiation used is not enough to cause lasting damage.
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The future of X-ray scanning
X-ray scanning is a crucial aspect of airport security, helping to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States uses X-ray machines, including backscatter X-ray and cabinet X-ray systems, to screen carry-on items and checked luggage. These machines assist in detecting dangerous items such as weapons, chemicals, and liquids prohibited from air travel. While X-ray technology has been a staple of airport security for years, the future holds advancements and innovations that will enhance security and the passenger experience.
One of the most significant developments in X-ray scanning technology for airports is the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. CT technology, originally used in the medical field, generates volumetric X-ray images, creating detailed 3D visuals from multiple angles. This advanced imaging capability enables security operators to inspect baggage more thoroughly and automatically detect prohibited items such as weapons, liquids, and explosives. CT scanners also feature automated object recognition software, eliminating the need for passengers to remove items like jewellery, belts, and electronic devices from their luggage, resulting in shorter queue times at security checkpoints.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms further enhances the capabilities of CT scanners. AI-driven algorithms improve image resolution and support automatic explosives detection, contributing to faster and more accurate screening processes. This combination of CT technology and AI algorithms improves decision-making for security personnel and boosts overall operational efficiency at airports.
To ensure the safe implementation of X-ray technology, regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) play a crucial role. The FDA sets standards for machines that produce radiation, including X-ray systems, to limit passenger and worker exposure. Additionally, organizations like the Health Physics Society (HPS) provide valuable research, recommendations, and educational resources related to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, helping to address safety concerns associated with X-ray scanning technology.
As airports continue to prioritize investing in CT scanners and advanced X-ray technology, the future of airport security promises heightened safety, streamlined processes, and an improved passenger experience. The combination of enhanced imaging capabilities, automated threat detection, and efficient security checkpoints will contribute to a more secure and seamless journey for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard, dual-energy, backscatter, and computerized tomography X-ray technologies are used at airports.
X-rays are used at airports to scan carry-on items and checked luggage for dangerous items such as weapons or explosives.
Airport X-rays are considered safe for passengers who only pass through security a few times a year. However, operators who are exposed to constant radiation over many years may face health risks.
