Airport security measures are designed to ensure passenger safety and prevent any potential threat to airport property. One such measure is the use of security scanners.

These machines use various technologies to scan the human body and detect any potential threats, such as weapons or explosives, which may be hidden under clothing or inside bags.

There are two types of scanners used in airport security: metal detectors and full-body scanners. Metal detectors are the most commonly used machines and work by detecting metal objects on the human body or in bags.

Full-body scanners, on the other hand, use advanced imaging technology to create an image of the human body, including any objects hidden under clothing.

How airport security scanners work

Metal detectors are simple machines and consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits electromagnetic waves, which are received by the receiver.

When metal objects come in between the transmitter and receiver, the waves are disrupted, and the machine alerts the security personnel.

Full-body scanners, on the other hand, use advanced imaging technology to create a 3D image of the human body. There are two types of full-body scanners: millimeter-wave and backscatter scanners.

Millimeter-wave scanners emit radio waves, and the machine measures the reflected waves to create an image. Backscatter scanners use low-level X-rays to create an image of the human body.

What are the health risks of airport security scanners?

Although airport security scanners are designed to be safe, there are some potential health risks associated with them.

The two types of full-body scanners, millimeter-wave, and backscatter scanners, use different technologies, and their potential health risks are also different.

Millimeter-wave scanners and health risks

Millimeter-wave scanners use radio waves to create an image of the human body. The radio waves used by the machine are similar to those used by mobile phones and other wireless devices.

There is currently no evidence that exposure to the radio waves used by millimeter-wave scanners can cause long-term health problems.

However, if the machine is not working correctly or if the operator is not following the safety guidelines, passengers may be exposed to high levels of radiation.

Backscatter scanners and health risks

Backscatter scanners use low-level X-rays to create an image of the human body. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms in the human body and potentially damage DNA.

The amount of radiation used in backscatter scanners is very low, and the dose received by passengers is less than the dose received during a single dental X-ray.

However, repeated exposure to low-level X-rays can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Who is at risk from airport security scanners?

The risk to passengers from airport security scanners is very low. However, there are some groups of people who may be more at risk than others:.

Pregnant women: X-rays can potentially harm a developing fetus, so pregnant women should avoid backscatter scanners and opt for a pat-down search instead.
Children: Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, so parents should avoid backscatter scanners and opt for a pat-down search instead.
People with medical conditions: People with medical conditions that make them more sensitive to radiation, such as cancer patients, should avoid backscatter scanners and opt for a pat-down search instead.

How to reduce the risk of airport security scanners

There are several things passengers can do to reduce the risk of airport security scanners:.

Follow the instructions of the security personnel: The security personnel have been trained to operate the machines safely, so it is important to follow their instructions.
Opt for a pat-down search: Passengers who are concerned about the health risks of the scanners can opt for a pat-down search instead.
Avoid unnecessary exposure: Passengers who travel frequently should try to limit their exposure to the machines by opting for a pat-down search occasionally.

Conclusion

Airport security scanners are an essential part of airport security measures, but they can potentially affect passenger health.

The risk to passengers is very low, but pregnant women, children, and people with medical conditions should avoid backscatter scanners and opt for a pat-down search instead. Passengers can reduce the risk by following the instructions of the security personnel and opting for a pat-down search occasionally.