own
USA
Airport Security Scanning
National security has become a top priority since the September 11,2001 terrorist attacks on the United
States. From armed guards to advanced screening devices, airports are a prime example of increased security
measures in the U.S. The intense scanning of luggage and the newest technology to scan passengers are
raising concern about radiation exposure from these security measures.
The cabinet x-ray system, used to scan luggage, is an enclosed system that uses shielding to keep radiation
from exiting the walls of the unit. There is a strict standard on the amount of radiation that a cabinet x-ray
system is allowed to emit. In addition, the standard also requires safety features that include warning lights,
warning labels, and locks.
The human x-ray scanner, called the backscatter system, is a scanning device that gives a security value
matched only by a strip search. The risk from the backscatter x-ray is low, it offers a clear alternative to an
intrusive strip search, and increases the chance of catching a threat to airport security.
Do not confuse the backscatter system with metal detectors. Metal detectors do not use ionizing radiation.
Who is protecting you
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA monitors the x-ray screening machines that examine carry-on luggage. Additionally, TSA trains
screeners how to perform their job efficiently while minimizing everyone's exposure to radiation from
the machines.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA has responsibility for assuring manufacturers produce x-ray systems that do not pose a radiation safety
hazard. Safety regulation is divided between FDA and state regulatory agencies, with the FDA typically
regulating the manufacturer. FDA requires that all machines be properly calibrated and maintained.
The States
Safety regulation is divided between FDA and state regulatory agencies with the states regulating the use of
the products.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA issues general radiation guidance to other federal agencies that establish appropriate safety limits.
What can you do to protect yourself
The risk from the backscatter x-ray is low, it offers a clear alternative to an intrusive strip search, and
increases the chance of identifying a threat to airport security. Additionally, you can ask for confirmation that
the technician operating the machine is qualified to do so and that the machine itself has been recently
inspected and is properly calibrated. If you are still concerned about the radiation, ask if you can receive a pat
down or strip search instead.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J) | EPA 402-F-06-022
April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/security-scan.html
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RadTown USA
Resources
You can explore this radiation source further through the resources at the following URL:
http://www.epa.gov/radtown/security-scan.htmltfresources
We provide these resources on-line rather than here so we can keep the links up-to-date.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J) | EPA 402-F-06-022
April 2006
www.epa.gov/radtown/security-scan.html
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