Can Airport Body Scanners Detect Health Issues?

Introduction

Airport security measures have been updated with the introduction of body scanners across numerous airports in the world. These scanners were initially installed to enhance security checks but they have also raised concerns about privacy invasion health dangers. One question frequently asked is can airport body scanners detect health issues?

How Airport Body Scanners Work

The two primary types of body scanners are backscatter millimeter-wave scanners. Backscatter scanners utilize low-level radiation to produce a two-dimensional image of a traveler’s naked body. Millimeter-wave scanners on the other hand use high-frequency radio waves to produce a 3D image of the individual’s body. Both types of scanners share the same goal which is to examine the individual for any unusual objects such as explosives weapons.

Can Airport Body Scanners Detect Health Issues?

No airport body scanners cannot detect health issues. These scanners are designed to detect metallic non-metallic items that are not part of an individual’s body such as weapons explosives other dangerous objects. The scanners are not equipped to identify health problems such as tumors cancer or other medical issues.

Concerns about Health Dangers

Even though airport body scanners cannot detect health issues numerous questions surround their safety. The backscatter scanner uses low radiation levels that some have claimed may not be as safe as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) claims. However the TSA affirms that the radiation scanners emit is negligible poses no risk to the public. Additionally millimeter-wave scanners use non-ionizing radiations that are considered harmless.

Conclusion

The answer to whether airport body scanners can detect health issues is no. These scanners are solely designed to detect concealed weapons explosives or other dangerous items that are not part of one’s body. Although concerns about radiation-related health dangers still exists the TSA assures that the levels used in these scanners are harmless. Individuals should therefore follow the TSA’s mandates to maintain safety while using airport body scanners.