FAQ: Airport Body Scanners

Full body scanners. Which airports have them, who will be required to use them, and what do you need to know before you step inside? We spoke with Jon Allen, a TSA spokesman, to decode the mystery behind the machine.



Photos Courtesy of the TSA

Which airports have the full body scanners?

"There are 19 airports where millimeter wave machines have been deployed. The TSA's website includes a map of the locations."

Which airports are planning to get the devices?

While the exact times and locations where the scanners will be received have not been disclosed at the current time, the U.S. government is working to equip airports around the country with the machines.

"In the fall of 2009, TSA purchased 150 backscatter imaging technology units. A deployment schedule for these units has not been finalized. Funding exists to purchase an additional 300 advanced imaging technology units in 2010."

Will everybody be scanned, or only certain individuals?

"This screening option is completely voluntary to all passengers."

So can you decline a full-body scan?

Yes, for now, but you must submit to a full body pat-down.

Do they save the scanned images?

"There is no storage capability. No cameras, cellular telephones, or any device capable of capturing an image is permitted in the remotely-located resolution room. Use of such a device is a terminable offense."

Are they harmful for any individuals?

Two types of scanners currently exist: the millimeter wave scanner and the backscatter scanner.

"Millimeter wave technology bounces harmless electromagnetic waves off the human body to create a black and white image. The energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 10,000 times less than what is permitted for a cell phone. "

"Backscatter technology projects an ionizing X-ray beam over the body surface at high speed. The reflection, or backscatter, of the beam is detected, digitized and displayed on a monitor. Each scan produces less than 10 microrem of emission, equivalent to the exposure each person receives in about two minutes on an airplane flight at altitude."

Who sees the images?

"Passenger privacy is ensured through the anonymity of the image. The transportation security officer attending the passenger cannot view the image, and the remotely-located officer who views the image cannot physically see the passenger. Images are not stored, transmitted or printed and are deleted immediately once viewed by the remotely-located officer."

Just how much is revealed in the full body scan?

"A privacy algorithm blurs facial features."

How long do the scans take?

"Screening takes approximately 15 seconds, while the scanning time is just a few seconds. The remotely located security officer who interprets the image takes approximately 12 seconds to do so. It takes a passenger with a joint replacement about 15 seconds to go through advanced imaging technology, versus a 2-4 minute pat down."

Will this solve the airport security problem?

"Advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact. Threats to aviation continue to evolve. The use of new and innovative technologies helps us stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation.

What do you think? Do full-body scanners make you feel safer or do you feel like they are a violation of privacy?