Traveling while pregnant often raises concerns about radiation exposure from airport security devices. Many travelers worry that these screening technologies could pose a threat to a developing fetus. This article provides clear, evidence-based information regarding the safety of airport screening technologies, detailing the different devices encountered and the minimal risk they present. Understanding the specific technology behind each machine can help alleviate anxiety.
Differentiating Airport Screening Technologies
The general term “airport X-ray” incorrectly describes several distinct types of security equipment. The most common device is the walk-through metal detector, which uses a low-frequency electromagnetic field to detect metal objects. This technology is non-ionizing, meaning it lacks the energy to cause DNA damage. Hand-held wands operate on the same non-ionizing principle.
Whole-body passenger scanners, known as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), use millimeter wave technology. This device emits non-ionizing radiofrequency energy that reflects off the body to detect concealed items. These waves do not penetrate the skin or tissue and pose no radiation risk. An older, less common scanner is the backscatter X-ray unit, which uses low-dose ionizing radiation. The key distinction is that baggage screening machines are the equipment that uses high-power X-rays.
Safety Assessment for Whole-Body Passenger Scanners
Millimeter wave scanners are widely considered safe for all travelers, including pregnant individuals. This non-ionizing radiofrequency energy bounces off the body’s surface. The energy level is low and the exposure time is brief, preventing harm to the mother or the fetus. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirms that all current advanced imaging technology systems utilize this safe, non-ionizing radio frequency.
Even the older backscatter X-ray units, which emit ionizing radiation, deliver an exceedingly small dose. A single backscatter scan exposes the traveler to approximately 0.05 to 0.1 microsieverts (µSv). For comparison, a single chest X-ray delivers about 100 µSv, making the airport dose significantly lower. This dose is comparable to the radiation exposure received during a few minutes of flight due to cosmic rays. The threshold for fetal harm is well above 10,000 µSv, meaning the exposure from a backscatter machine is medically insignificant.
Understanding the Baggage X-ray Device
The security machine used to screen carry-on luggage utilizes a much higher dose of X-rays than any passenger-facing device. This high-power ionizing radiation is necessary to penetrate the contents of bags and generate detailed images. However, this equipment is designed with strict safety protocols to ensure the radiation remains contained within the machine’s tunnel. The tunnel is constructed with thick walls and lead-impregnated vinyl curtains at both the entrance and exit points. The scattered radiation that reaches a pregnant traveler standing nearby is negligible and poses no threat to the fetus.
Traveler Options and Official Recommendations
Travelers uncomfortable with whole-body scanners have the right to request an alternative screening method. TSA policy allows any passenger to opt-out of the advanced imaging technology (millimeter wave or backscatter). This choice must be communicated to the security officer before entering the device.
The alternative procedure is an enhanced physical screening, commonly known as a pat-down. This pat-down is performed by a security officer of the same gender and can be requested in a private screening area. The traditional walk-through metal detector is also a safe alternative, as it uses non-ionizing magnetic fields. Official recommendations confirm the safety of all screening equipment for pregnant travelers.