Europe Bans X-Ray Body Scanners Used at U.S. Airports

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The European Union on Monday prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners [1] in European airports, parting ways with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which has deployed hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen millions of airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing.

The European Commission, which enforces common policies of the EU's 27 member countries, adopted the rule “in order not to risk jeopardizing citizens’ health and safety.”

As a ProPublica/PBS NewsHour investigation detailed earlier this month [2] , X-ray body scanners use ionizing radiation, a form of energy that has been shown to damage DNA and cause cancer. Although the amount of radiation is extremely low, equivalent to the radiation a person would receive in a few minutes of flying, several research studies have concluded that a small number of cancer cases would result from scanning hundreds of millions of passengers a year.

European countries will be allowed to use an alternative body scanner, on that relies on radio frequency waves, which have not been linked to cancer. The TSA has also deployed hundreds of those machines – known as millimeter-wave scanners – in U.S. airports. But unlike Europe, it has decided to deploy both types of scanners.

The TSA would not comment specifically on the EU’s decision. But in a statement, TSA spokesman Mike McCarthy said, “As one of our many layers of security, TSA deploys the most advanced technology available to provide the best opportunity to detect dangerous items, such as explosives.

“We rigorously test our technology to ensure it meets our high detection and safety standards before it is placed in airports,” he continued. “Since January 2010, advanced imaging technology has detected more than 300 dangerous or illegal items on passengers in U.S. airports nationwide.”

Body scanners have been controversial in the United States since they were first deployed in prisons in the late 1990s and then in airports for tests after 9/11. Most of the controversy has focused on privacy because the machines can produce graphic images. But the manufacturers have since installed privacy filters.

As the TSA began deploying hundreds of body scanners after the failed underwear bombing [3] on Christmas Day 2009, several scientists began to raise concerns about the health risks of the X-ray scanner, noting that even low levels of radiation would increase the risk of cancer.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=europe-bans-x-ray-body-scanners

[slim 1,530]

Well, the Europeans have done it, I guess we should too.

Along with all their socialised medicine and what-not.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Well, the Europeans have done it, I guess we should too.

No, we need to proceed on our path to the total police state. It's what truly free people do, isn't it?

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

They need to eliminate that TSA for starters. Their a bunch of punks.

[slim 1,530]

No, we need to proceed on our path to the total police state. It's what truly free people do, isn't it?

This!

They need to eliminate that TSA for starters. Their a bunch of punks.

Eliminate? Don't you mean expand?

TSA is going to start doing roadside checks now. Nothing like driving down the highway and getting "randomly" searched by the federal government.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

This!

Eliminate? Don't you mean expand?

TSA is going to start doing roadside checks now. Nothing like driving down the highway and getting "randomly" searched by the federal government.

Don't think for a second that this hasn't crossed their mind.....

[slim 1,530]

Don't think for a second that this hasn't crossed their mind.....

It's more than crossed their mind. They're doing it already. They established a checkpoint in TN last week and they're going to have more over the holidays.

[TBoneTX 46,041]

It's more than crossed their mind. They're doing it already. They established a checkpoint in TN last week and they're going to have more over the holidays.

"Your papers, Comrade."

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

It's more than crossed their mind. They're doing it already. They established a checkpoint in TN last week and they're going to have more over the holidays.

Paranoia much? These are sobriety checkpoints. They do that each and every holiday season. Not only in TN.

Edited November 19, 2011 by Mr. Big Dog

[TBoneTX 46,041]

Not paranoia, but an outrage.

http://autos.aol.com/article/tsa-screening-drivers-in-tennessee/

And, did it occur to anyone that even sobriety checkpoints are a violation of civil liberties?

[sly_wolf 199]

This!

Eliminate? Don't you mean expand?

TSA is going to start doing roadside checks now. Nothing like driving down the highway and getting "randomly" searched by the federal government.

Border patrol already does that where I live. Big Brother is here to stay.

[tmma 467]

They have them at DFW. I flew a couple of weeks ago and was ushered into one. I had to be scanned twice...and I still don't know why. The scanner guy called his friend over to look before they let me go- I told them that scan was free but they would have to pay some big money for another scan of me....

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

I am not a libertarian (as it doesn't work in real life the same way communism doesn't work), but the one thing I would eliminate is the TSA. Entirely. Completely. No more scanning and grabbing and touching of travelers unless there's a reason for it.

If there's one thing the U.S. could adapt from Israel that's top notch, it's there pre-flight airport security system. Of course, it involves profiling, 'cause it's effective and plain works!