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

Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images file photo

by Michael Grabell
ProPublica, Nov. 15, 2011, 3:45 p.m

The European Union on Monday prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners 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, 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.
http://www.propublica.org/article/europe-bans-x-ray-body-scanners-u...

Favorite

3 members favorited this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ella on November 16, 2011 at 1:30am

It seems to be reasonable, but when you realize that the planes that hit the WTC, crashed in Shanskville, PA, and hit the Pentagon were NOT REAL PLANES, but holograms, then you have to wonder why they are using body scanners at all. There are no terrorists.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maria De Wind on November 16, 2011 at 7:10am

Commission (remuneration) ?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ella on November 16, 2011 at 4:56pm

I don't get this reply. Are you implying that I'm being paid to say that?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Maria De Wind on November 16, 2011 at 5:51pm

Nope, I'm implying that whoever it is who buys and deploys all those body scanners might be, wasn't THAT your question?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ella on November 17, 2011 at 5:34pm

Yes, I get your question now! Thanks! I'm so used to being called a shill because of my Youtube channel, I think I must bet getting paranoid.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Austin J. Schell on November 16, 2011 at 1:44am

“in order not to risk jeopardizing citizens’ health and safety.”

That just about says it all...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by LYNN SHEDLER on November 16, 2011 at 6:52am

Also the lives of unborn babies. Any Doctor will tell you that!!! Also, sterility in males and females.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anonymiss Express on November 16, 2011 at 8:50am

Thanks for the heads up on that. Time to investigate "alternative body scanner, one that relies on radio frequency waves, which have not been linked to cancer" YET.

I know how science works. You can never prove something, but you can prove something NOT, which is often ommitted when there's messages like "does not have an effect on ...".

It means "We have not found an effect on ... ", and then it often does not even get investigated properly, eager for the sell and the profit.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anonymiss Express on November 16, 2011 at 3:05pm

Absolutely. See my second schoolyard warfare scenario: We get hit by both Israel and Russia: http://anonymissexpress.tumblr.com/post/12754369884/some-schoolyard...

We're DOOMED!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anonymiss Express on November 17, 2011 at 2:27pm

I am trying to see how I could take offense from your reply, so that I couldn't. I tried really hard, but I don't see it?

Anyway, I don't have microwave ovens, and no handheld devices, for reasons of them not making me feel okay and disturbing my sleep. I live without a lot of "luxuries", and I prefer not to travel by air either. And I kid around a lot.

Yes, damage by waves has been researched a lot. Seriously. And there seem to be health risks involved with the use of EMF RFT ... effects on sperm and brain cells.

Anyway, just wanted to point out (jokingly) that the European rules aren't "better". Offense not intended. Pun intended. :D

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anonymiss Express on November 17, 2011 at 7:09pm

I didn't know it was a "known bug", even tho my cousin has it too. I thought it was just us. I don't deny my experiences when something is not known. It is what it is. Doh! Great to know that it is being investigated. TYVM!