Can Airport Body Scanners Detect Health Issues? An Investigation
With the advancement of technology, airport security has also improved. Nowadays, body scanners are used in most airports as an alternative to the previous metal detectors. While this technology can detect metal objects, many wonder if it is also capable of detecting health issues such as tumors or other abnormalities. This article will investigate whether airport body scanners can, in fact, detect health issues.
What are Airport Body Scanners?
Airport body scanners use radiation technology to produce images of the body, making it easier for security personnel to detect concealed items. Two types of scanners are commonly used: millimeter-wave scanners and backscatter X-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners use radio waves to create a 3D image of the body. On the other hand, backscatter X-ray scanners create an image by bouncing X-rays off the body.
Can Body Scanners Detect Health Issues?
While body scanners are designed to identify concealed objects, they are not equipped to detect health issues. The technology used in body scanners is not powerful enough to examine internal organs or tissues and identify abnormalities.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), body scanners are not designed to reveal personal medical conditions, and the images produced do not show any medically relevant information. In fact, TSA procedures prohibit its agents from making a medical diagnosis of any traveler.
The Benefits of Body Scanners in Identifying Health Issues
Although body scanners are not equipped to detect health issues, the images produced can still be used to identify some medical conditions. For example, passengers with medical devices such as prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, or insulin pumps, may be asked to provide additional information about their medical devices to the TSA agent, and he/she will use the scanner to verify this information.
Additionally, certain abnormalities on the skin’s surface may be visible on the images produced by the scanner. However, these abnormalities can only be further examined by a healthcare professional with specialized equipment.
The Concerns of Body Scanners and Radiation Exposure
One of the primary concerns of airport body scanners is the level of radiation exposure. The TSA has assured travelers that the level of radiation emitted by body scanners is minimal and does not pose a health risk. However, some studies have indicated that frequent exposure to low levels of radiation may increase the risk of cancer.
Conclusion
In summary, airport body scanners are not equipped to detect health issues. Although the images produced by the scanners can identify certain medical conditions, medical diagnoses should only be made by trained healthcare professionals with the appropriate equipment. While body scanners continue to play an essential role in airport security, concerns about increased radiation exposure should not be ignored. Therefore, travelers should take necessary precautions to reduce exposure, such as limiting the frequency of travel or requesting an alternative screening method.
