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TSA Changes Prohibited Items List to Allow Ostomy Scissors Aboard Aircraft

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  - August 30, 2005

TSA Press Office: (571) 227-2829

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TSA is modifying the interpretive rule to exempt ostomy scissors from the prohibited items list.  Ostomy scissors with pointed tips with an overall length of four inches or less are permitted when they are accompanied by an ostomate supply kit containing related supplies, such as collection pouches, wafers, positioning plates, tubing, or adhesives.

There are an estimated 750,000 ostomates in the United States.  While specific data on the number of ostomates who use air transportation is not available, TSA has heard from individuals with ostomies who say they avoid air travel in part because they cannot carry these particular scissors.

Allowing this limited exception to TSA’s prohibition on metal pointed scissors removes a barrier to ostomates traveling by air without negatively impacting aviation security.

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