Assessing the Safety of Airport Full Body Scanners

Understanding the Low Risk of Radiation Exposure

Experts widely concur that the radiation levels emitted by airport full body scanners are negligible and do not pose a substantial health hazard. The likelihood of developing cancer from passing through these scanners is considered to be six times lower than the chance of being struck by lightning, as per expert analysis.

Types of Scanners and Their Safety Profiles

In the United States, two main types of full body scanners are utilized:

• Millimeter Wave Scanners: These devices employ radiofrequency waves, which are non-ionizing and have no known adverse health effects. They are completely devoid of X-ray radiation.
• Backscatter Scanners: These scanners use very low levels of X-rays. However, the radiation dose from a backscatter scanner is minuscule, equivalent to just 1/1000th of a dental X-ray.

Both types of scanners have undergone rigorous testing and come equipped with multiple safety features to ensure they operate well within established health and safety standards. To date, there have been no reported incidents of health problems resulting from the use of these scanners at airports.

The Right to Opt-Out and Alternative Screening Procedures

Passengers maintain the option to decline a full body scan. Those who choose to opt-out will be subject to a manual pat-down by a security officer of the same gender. Additionally, travelers who trigger an alarm while passing through a metal detector or a full body scanner will also be subjected to a thorough pat-down.

Interesting Statistics and Facts

While the conversation around full body scanners often revolves around privacy and efficiency, there are some lesser-known statistics that highlight their safety:

• According to the American National Standards Institute, the radiation dose from a backscatter X-ray scanner is equivalent to two minutes of flying on an airplane at altitude, where cosmic radiation levels are higher. ANSI
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that advanced imaging technology has safely screened more than 800 million passengers. TSA
• A study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that the risk of fatal cancer from backscatter scanners is less than one in 400 million scans. UCSF

In conclusion, airport full body scanners are a safe, low-risk security measure for travelers. With the negligible levels of radiation emitted and the stringent safety protocols in place, passengers can focus on enjoying their travels rather than worrying about the health implications of security screenings.