How the TSA Full Body Scan Works

Most people do not yet know how a TSA full body scan works, but still feel it invades their privacy, no matter what the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) or other national security experts say. To understand exactly how the TSA full-body scan works, and the reasoning behind it, may allow people to feel more at ease when stepping up to be screened.

The TSA employs state-of-the-art imaging technology that is advanced beyond that of many other countries. The TSA has been utilizing its advanced imaging technology for three years. The full-body scan means of screening passengers is not yet in place at all airports in the U.S. It is already utilized in some other countries.

Reasons for the TSA Full-Body Scan

As threats to the safety of the American people, particularly threats at our nation's airports and aboard planes has been an ongoing issue since 9/11, our leaders have had to come up with ideas to develop and implement increasingly secure measures to stay ahead of terrorists or other threats. To do this, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were used by the TSA to purchase and deploy 450 advanced imaging units for certain airports in March of this year. These units can detect numerous types of threats in a matter of seconds, and can potentially eliminate threats to the safety of passenger, airport employees and flight crews. The Full Body Scan units can detect weapons, explosives, metallic and non-metallic objects that may pose a threat to the safety of others.

Objections to Full-Body Scans

Those objecting to the TSA use of full-body scans feel that it is an invasion of privacy. Some have cited religious objections on basis of their religion and modesty requirements.

There have been allegations that it is unconstitutional. But the TSA ensures that there is no invasion of privacy or reasons for concerns for violation of modesty. TSA claims that the employee viewing the images never sees the person, that the officer assisting the person through the screening process never sees the image that is produced, that facial features are blurred, among other measures to protect the privacy and anonymity of the passenger. Additionally the images are not saved or stored, and all images are immediately deleted.

Types of Advanced Imaging Body Scans and How They Work

There are currently two advanced imaging body scan technology units. One is called the Backscatter. This unit projects low-level x-ray beams over the entire body, and a reflection of the body is then displayed on a monitor. This image reflected using this technology is similar to a chalk etching. The Backscatter was evaluated by the FDA, as well as several laboratories and all testing results indicated that the radiation from the Backscatter is well below the dose limits of the American National Standards Institute.

The Millimeter Wave Technology bounces electromagnetic waves off the body, which in turn, creates a three dimensional black and white image. This image is similar to a fuzzy photo negative. The energy projected by this technology is far less than a cell phone transmission. When the passenger walks into the imaging booth, the passenger will be asked to turn to a few different positions and to momentarily stand still. The passenger then simply exits the imaging portal through the other side. Neither of the imaging technology units employed for full body scans have the capability to save the images, so all images are immediately deleted as soon as the person exits the screening unit. The process takes less than one minute to complete.

Those refusing a full-body scan or who cannot receive one for medical reasons will be checked by other means including a pat down in a private area.

Future of TSA Full Body Scan Technology

As the threat to our safety grows so will the advanced technology implemented to ensure the safety of all Americans. The TSA has already installed and implemented full-body scan units at over two dozen airports and several others are scheduled to implement the advanced technology of full-body scans soon.

Sources

cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL

tsa.gov/approach/tech/imaging_technology