Millimeter wave AIT uses non-ionizing radio frequency energy in the millimeter wave spectrum to generate a three-dimensional image of the body based on the energy reflected from the body. The image, which resembles a fuzzy photo negative with facial features blurred for privacy, is displayed on a remote monitor for analysis to determine whether potential threats are present. The energy projected by millimeter wave technology is thousands of times less than a cell phone transmission.

Backscatter AIT uses a narrow, low-energy x-ray beam that scans the surface of the body at a high speed. The machine then generates an image resembling a chalk etching with a privacy filter applied to the entire body. The image is displayed on a remote monitor for analysis to determine whether objects are present.

The European Union issued a ruling during Nov 2011 that bans X-ray body scanners in all European airports. According to the European Commission, the agency charged with enforcing the ruling across the EU’s 27 member nations, the prohibition is necessary “in order not to risk jeopardizing citizens’ health and safety.”X-ray body scanners, which use “backscatter” ionized radiation technology, emit enough radiation to theoretically damage DNA and cause cancer. However, FDA disputes these reports and assures us the technology is harmless. If this sounds familiar then this is what RJ Reynolds also said about Nicotine in the 50s and what Boeing and Airbus still state today in regards to aircraft cabin air quality on bleed air aircraft.

We each have to make our own decisions and decide who we trust and what research is acceptable for ourselves as crew members and our families when we travel. Yet, how can anyone say that this technology is safe when it is new and there is no data showing the long term effects? This is much like the farmers and landscapers who used Round Up with the Glyphosate pesticide. It all seemed just fine at the time when there was no data. However, 10 to 20 years later after use they all are coming down with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We all know how much we can trust the FDA. Especially, since most of their scientist and regulators have come through the revolving door of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries which they are now in charge of regulating. So there is no conflict of interest there at all. Do not forget that radiation exposure is accumualtive when it comes to damage. If you fly one time a year as a passenger may be very different from someone who walks through one of these devices 10 to 20 days a month. Just some food for thought there.