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Airport Security Scanning
RadTown USA Topics
This pages describes the difference between the cabinet and backscatter x-ray scanning systems being used for airport security.
On this page:
Overview
National security has become a top priority since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. From armed guards to advanced screening devices, airports are a prime example of increased security measures in the U.S. The intense scanning of luggage and the newest technology to scan passengers are raising concern about radiation exposure from these security measures.
Remember
Do not confuse the backscatter system with metal detectors. Metal detectors do not use ionizing radiation.The cabinet x-ray system, used to scan luggage, is an enclosed system that uses shielding to keep radiation from exiting the walls of the unit. There is a strict standard on the amount of radiation that a cabinet x-ray system is allowed to emit. In addition, the standard also requires safety features that include warning lights, warning labels, and locks.
The human x-ray scanner, called the backscatter system, is a scanning device that gives a security value matched only by a strip search. The risk from the backscatter x-ray is low, it offers a clear alternative to an intrusive strip search, and increases the chance of catching a threat to airport security.
Do not confuse the backscatter system with metal detectors. Metal detectors do not use ionizing radiation.
Who is protecting you
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA monitors the x-ray screening machines that examine carry-on luggage. Additionally, TSA trains screeners how to perform their job efficiently while minimizing everyone’s exposure to radiation from the machines.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA has responsibility for assuring manufacturers produce x-ray systems that do not pose a radiation safety hazard. Safety regulation is divided between FDA and state regulatory agencies with the FDA typically regulating the manufacturer. FDA requires that all machines be properly calibrated and maintained.
The States
Safety regulation is divided between FDA and state regulatory agencies with the states regulating the use of the products.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA issues general radiation guidance to other federal agencies that establish appropriate safety limits.
What you can do to protect yourself
The risk from the backscatter x-ray is low, it offers a clear alternative to an intrusive strip search, and increases the chance of identifying a threat to airport security. Additionally, you can ask for confirmation that the technician operating the machine is qualified to do so and that the machine itself has been recently inspected and is properly calibrated. If you are still concerned about the radiation, ask if you can receive a pat down or strip search instead.
Resources
| Audit
of Passenger and Baggage Screening Procedures At Domestic
Airports (8pp, 340Kb ) 30 September 2004. U.S. Department of Homeland Security This report highlights the Department’s Office of the Inspector General’s findings and recommendations on the security process and procedures for screening passengers and property at selected domestic airports since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. |
| Frequently
Asked Questions on Cabinet X-ray Systems 24 March 2003. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health This page provides answers to frequent questions FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health receives on cabinet x-ray systems. |
Pregnancy & Radiation — Power lines, computers, airport screening, cell phones
 31 December 2003. Health Physics Society This page answers concerns about radiation risk to pregnant women from airport security screening equipment. |
| Screening
Individuals with Backscatter X-Ray Systems
8 July 2005. Health Physics Society This page discusses the pros and cons of implementing a backscatter x-ray screening system at security checkpoints. |
| X-Ray
Exposure from Airport Screening Machines 15 February 2006. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This page provides information about a study the Transportation Security Administration asked the CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to conduct about radiation exposure risks to airport security employees operating x-ray screening machines. |