Purpose: To detect concealed metallic and non-metallic liquids, gels, plastics, etc., under clothing.
This system emits small amounts of X-rays and detects the reflection of those X-rays off the skin. X-rays are an IONIZING and PENETRATING form of radiation. They disrupt DNA. This system does penetrate the skin and can affect underlying organs.
Output: the scanners produe an output of 50 kVp, producing a tenth value layer (level at which the measured surface value decreases to 1/10 of the surface measurement) of about 8 cm in tissue. A scan takes approximately 15 seconds.
Symptoms of Radiation Sickness: (I am not suggesting that the machines cause these, but just see how you feel immediately after passing though your next scan…)
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, and rectum
- Bloody stool
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Inflammation of exposed areas (redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding)
- Mouth ulcers
- Nausea and vomiting
- Open sores on the skin
- Skin burns (redness, blistering)
- Sloughing of skin
- Ulcers (sores) in the esophagus (food pipe), stomach or intestines
- Vomiting blood
- Weakness
According to sciencedirect.com, the manufacturers of these devices suggest that a passenger could pass through the device 1000-2000 times per year before they would receive a dose of radiation equivalent to a single chest x-ray. ( I would question if 15,000 seconds (250 minutes) of low dose, skin-focused X-rays are healthy to my body.)
Better Option: You may be able to ask for an alternative screening method according to the law. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2015/12/23/tsa-can-now-make-you-go-through-body-scanner/77802418/). Simply inform the TSA officer that you would like to “opt out”. It takes a few minutes more, but you do not get exposed to a possible EMF exposure.