December 2009 Blog Archive
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Full Body Scanners for Airport Security
Full body scanners may soon replace the metal detectors commonly used in airport security, both in the United States and abroad. After the nearly missed bombing attempt during a Northwest/Delta flight flying from Amsterdam to Detroit on December 25th, airport security is turning to technology that may help identify non-metallic weapons and other concerns, such as the explosive device involved in the Christmas Day threat.
What are Full Body Scans?
Much more detailed than typical X-rays, full body scanners are capable of viewing beneath layers of clothing, providing a map of the body’s contours, any prosthetics under the skin, and both metallic and non-metallic objects. These scanners function similar to MRI machines, and are considered safe, as they expose passengers to only very minimal amounts of radiation.
The Controversy
Because the scanning machines provide such accurate images, some passengers and activist groups have opposed the use of them since they believe the images are an invasion of privacy. Concern about children’s rights and protection has also been an issue. Opposing opinions feel that public security is the highest priority, and that the technology available should be used to it's fullest in order to best protect innocent people's lives.
Body Scans in U.S. Airports
While the United States has operated full body scanners at airports across the country this year, the use of them was voluntary. Passengers who activated the metal detectors could choose which secondary security step they would prefer: a walk through the scanner or to be pat-down by a security officer. The controversy surrounding the scans will likely continue if security begins to make the use of scanning machines mandatory for passengers. Mandated use of full body scans for all passengers could also impact wait-times in terminals as security personnel review the scanned images, a process that does take longer than reviewing current metal detector security images.
Use of Body Scans Worldwide
Scanning machines are under trial at Tokyo’s Narita Airport in Japan and Manchester Airport in England. The United States has 40 scanners installed in 19 airports. Today, the Netherlands announced they would begin using their 15 scanners at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, and more scanners are expected to be put into use worldwide.
In the next three weeks the Netherlands will begin using full body scanners on all passengers, beginning with those boarding flights to the U.S. The Dutch interior minister, Guusje ter Horst, said that standard metal detectors would have prevented the man accused responsible for the Christmas Day threat from boarding the plane, according to Reuters. Amid the controversy, the safety of all people in airports and flying remains at the forefront of discussions on the topic.
