Are Body Scanners At Airports Safe? | What You Need to Know

Airport body scanners use non-ionizing millimeter wave technology, which major health organizations confirm is safe for travelers.

Navigating airport security is a routine part of travel, and the full-body scanners often raise questions for many. These devices are a key component in maintaining aviation security, designed to detect items that might be concealed under clothing without physical contact. Understanding the technology behind them helps clarify common concerns.

Understanding Airport Body Scanners

Modern airport body scanners are advanced imaging technology (AIT) units. They are designed to quickly and efficiently screen travelers for metallic and non-metallic objects that might pose a security risk. The technology used in these scanners is a point of frequent discussion among travelers.

Millimeter Wave Technology

The vast majority of AIT scanners deployed at airports today use millimeter wave technology. These devices emit low-power radio waves, similar to those used in cell phones or Wi-Fi routers, but at a higher frequency. The waves reflect off the traveler’s body and any objects concealed on it, creating a generic outline image for security officers.

Millimeter wave scanners do not penetrate the body. They simply detect the reflection of radio waves from the skin’s surface and any items. The resulting image is a privacy-protective, generic stick figure or avatar, highlighting areas where a potential item is detected. This digital representation helps officers locate anomalies without displaying specific body features.

Backscatter Scanners (Historical Context)

A different type of scanner, known as backscatter, was previously used in some airports. These scanners utilized very low-dose X-rays to create an image. Due to privacy concerns and the use of ionizing radiation, even at minimal levels, backscatter units were phased out of US airports by 2013. All AIT units currently in use by the TSA are millimeter wave technology, which does not use X-rays.

The distinction between backscatter and millimeter wave scanners is important. Millimeter wave technology operates on a fundamentally different principle, using non-ionizing radio waves, which have distinct safety profiles compared to X-rays.

Radiation Exposure: The Facts

The primary concern for many travelers centers on radiation exposure. Understanding the type of radiation involved and its effects is essential for assessing safety.

Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing radiation. This means the radio waves they emit do not possess enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, which is the process that can damage DNA and cells. Examples of non-ionizing radiation include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and infrared light.

Ionizing radiation, conversely, has enough energy to cause such damage. X-rays and gamma rays fall into this category. Airport baggage scanners and medical X-rays use ionizing radiation, but at controlled doses. Millimeter wave body scanners do not use ionizing radiation.

The energy emitted by a millimeter wave scanner is extremely low. A single scan exposes a traveler to less energy than a minute of cell phone use. The exposure levels are also significantly lower than the cosmic radiation naturally encountered during a typical flight at cruising altitude. The FDA confirms that millimeter wave scanners meet strict safety standards for public exposure, operating well below international limits.

Health & Safety Consensus

Multiple scientific and regulatory bodies have extensively reviewed the safety of millimeter wave airport scanners. Their findings consistently support the safety of this technology for the general public.

• Regulatory Agencies: Organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulate these devices. They establish and enforce safety standards for public exposure to electromagnetic fields.
• International Bodies: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have also evaluated millimeter wave technology. They find no evidence of adverse health effects from exposure levels associated with airport scanners.
• Scientific Studies: Independent scientific research supports the conclusion that millimeter wave scanners pose no known health risks. The waves do not penetrate deep into the body, and the energy levels are too low to cause thermal damage or other biological effects.

This consensus extends to specific populations. Millimeter wave scanners are considered safe for pregnant individuals, children, and those with medical implants. The technology does not interfere with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other electronic medical devices.

Your Screening Options

Travelers have choices when it comes to airport security screening. Understanding these options helps manage the process smoothly.

Standard Walk-Through Scanners

For most travelers, the standard procedure involves walking through a millimeter wave scanner. Travelers stand in a designated spot, often raising their arms briefly as instructed. The scan takes only a few seconds. The system then displays a generic outline to an officer in a separate location, indicating any areas that require further inspection.

This method offers a quick and efficient way to screen for concealed items without physical contact. It is designed to be a streamlined part of the security checkpoint process.

Opting for a Pat-Down

Travelers retain the right to request a physical pat-down instead of going through the millimeter wave scanner. This option is available at all security checkpoints. If a traveler requests a pat-down, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) will conduct a thorough physical search.

The pat-down procedure is performed by an officer of the same gender as the traveler. Travelers can request a private screening area for the pat-down, and they may also request a witness of their choosing to be present. Pat-downs generally take longer than scanner screenings.

Screening Method Comparison

Feature	Millimeter Wave Scanner	Pat-Down
Speed	Fast	Slower
Contact	No physical contact	Direct physical contact
Privacy	Generic outline image, remote review	Direct physical interaction, private room option
Detection	Concealed metallic and non-metallic objects	Concealed metallic and non-metallic objects, anomalies
Required for	Most travelers	Optional, or if scanner alarms/medical needs

Addressing Privacy Considerations

Privacy is a significant concern for many travelers regarding body scanners. Airport security systems incorporate specific measures to protect traveler privacy.

Millimeter wave scanners do not display realistic images of a traveler’s body. The system generates a generic, non-identifying outline or stick figure. This outline highlights any areas where potential threats or anomalies are detected. No actual body image is created, stored, or transmitted.

The officer who reviews the generic image is typically located in a separate, remote room, away from the screening area. This separation ensures that the officer cannot see the traveler directly while reviewing the image. The generic image is automatically deleted from the system immediately after the screening is complete and the traveler has cleared the checkpoint. No permanent record of the image exists.

These protocols are designed to ensure security effectiveness while upholding traveler privacy. The focus remains on detecting prohibited items, not on creating or storing personal images.

Medical Devices and Scanners

Travelers with medical devices often wonder about the safety and impact of airport body scanners. Millimeter wave technology is generally safe for these devices.

Internal medical devices, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cochlear implants, and joint replacements, are not affected by millimeter wave scanners. The low-power radio waves do not interfere with the function of these electronic or metallic implants. Extensive testing confirms their safety for these devices.

Travelers with external medical devices, such as insulin pumps, ostomy bags, or external nerve stimulators, should inform the TSA officer before screening. While the scanners are safe, these devices might alarm the system due to their physical presence. Communicating this information helps the officers determine the best screening method.

In cases where a medical device alarms the scanner, or if a traveler prefers, a targeted pat-down may be offered or required. This ensures the device is not concealing prohibited items without causing discomfort or concern for the traveler.

Quick Guide: Preparing for Security Screening

Category	Action	Notes
Pockets & Personal Items	Empty all pockets (wallet, keys, phone, coins). Remove belts, bulky jewelry, watches.	Place items in carry-on or a bin. This minimizes alarms.
Medical Devices	Inform officer about external devices (pumps, ostomy bags).	Scanners are safe for internal devices; communication helps for external ones.
Footwear	Remove shoes (unless 12 and under, or 75 and older).	Place in a separate bin.
Outerwear	Remove coats, jackets, vests.	Place in a bin.
Electronics	Laptops, tablets, e-readers out of bags (standard lanes).	Place in a separate bin for X-ray scanning.

Best Practices for Airport Security

A smooth security experience begins with preparation and clear communication. Knowing what to expect and how to interact with security personnel makes a significant difference.

1. Arrive Prepared: Before reaching the security checkpoint, remove all items from pockets. This includes wallets, keys, phones, and loose change. Place these items in your carry-on bag or a bin. Remove belts, bulky jewelry, and watches.
2. Listen to Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided by TSA officers. They guide travelers through the screening process, indicating when to step into the scanner, how to position arms, and when to proceed.
3. Communicate Clearly: If you have a medical condition, a medical device, or any concerns, inform the TSA officer before screening begins. This allows them to provide specific guidance or offer alternative screening methods.
4. Know Your Rights: Travelers have the right to request a pat-down instead of a scanner screening. They can also request a private screening with a witness if a pat-down is required or preferred.
5. Remain Calm: Security screenings can sometimes feel intrusive, but officers are performing their duties to ensure safety. Remaining calm and cooperative helps facilitate the process for everyone.

These practices help ensure a quick and efficient passage through airport security, allowing travelers to focus on their journey.