Are Full Body Scanners Safe for Airport Security? Explaining Millimeter Wave & X-Ray Technology
Discover the safety of full body scanners used in airports, including millimeter wave and low-dose X-ray technology, and their minimal radiation risks.
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Full-body scanners are considered safe for general public use, including during airport security screenings. They utilize either millimeter wave technology or low-dose, backscatter X-ray to detect objects on a person's body without physical contact. Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves, which have not been shown to cause harm. Backscatter X-ray scanners emit a dose of radiation that is extremely low, well below the limits for individual exposure. Studies and health agencies suggest the risk from these scanners is minimal compared to natural background radiation we're exposed to daily.
FAQs & Answers
- What technology do full body scanners use? Full body scanners typically use either millimeter wave technology, which employs non-ionizing radiofrequency waves, or low-dose backscatter X-ray technology to detect concealed objects.
- Are the radiation levels from backscatter X-ray scanners safe? Yes, backscatter X-ray scanners emit extremely low doses of radiation, well below established safety limits, making them safe for regular public use during security screenings.
- Do millimeter wave scanners pose any health risks? Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves, which studies and health organizations have not shown to cause harm, indicating they are safe for airport security screening.
- How does radiation from full body scanners compare to natural background radiation? The radiation exposure from full body scanners is minimal and significantly lower than the natural background radiation we encounter daily.