30 out of 68 airports use scanners involving only radio waves,

[pnwmom]

not backscatter x-rays.

We should be asking why the safer scanners aren't being used everywhere.

http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2010/11/fda-sidesteps-safety-concerns-over-tsa-body-scanners.ars

However, the TSA does have a potential solution in hand. Of the 68 airports scanning for explosives, 30 are using millimeter-wave scanners that don't use X-rays at all; they hit the surface of the body with safer radio waves. If the TSA committed to using only this type of equipment, it could avoid the safety concerns regarding the X-ray full body scanners completely.

[CreekDog]

1. good question

:hi:

[hedgehog]

2. Good question.

2nd good question- why doesn't the algorithm used to generate a visual image designed to blur body features while showing the items of interest?

http://technology.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978722533

[leveymg]

3. Which type does Skeletor sell?

Go for the millimeter wave radio type.

[Recursion]

5. 1mm is infrared and has some attenuation problems

Though anyone this concerned about radiation has no business flying. Or living anywhere near radio towers, power cables, or light bulbs...

[flamingdem]

6. You need to read the letter from the scientists in the other post

to understand the dangers of this kind of radiation.

[Recursion]

7. I'm an electrical engineer and tend to shut out "radiation" hysteria out of habit

If you're going up to 30,000 feet no scanner is going to remotely approach the level of high-frequency radiation you're subjecting yourself to.

But, I will go read the letter.

[flamingdem]

8. Please add your tech thoughts on what they say, much appreciated nt

[pnwmom]

14. I know a nuclear engineer at MIT who would choose a patdown

over the backscatter x-ray, but wouldn't object to the radiowave scanner.

So not all engineers are as comfortable with the backscatter x-rays as you are.

[flamingdem]

4. I agree. The backscanner machines by Rapiscan are the danger not the millimeter type nt

[leveymg]

9. Rapidscan (backscatter) is the company that Chertoff's firm used to represent. L-3 Comm makes the

other type, the millimeter wave radio emitters. TSA's $80 million in scanner purchases is split almost evenly about 50/50 between the Rapidscan backscatter machines and L-3's millimeter wave machines.

Rapidscan manufactures the backscatter X-ray machines. See, http://www.rapiscansystems.com/rapiscan-secure-1000.html

The articles, below, indicate that Chertoff's lobbying firm did represent that company, but Rapidscan now says that relationship has ended. See,

#
#
Airport Security and the 'Revolving Door'
53 minutes ago
Peter Kant, a Rapiscan executive vice president, said Chertoff's firm provided advice to Rapiscan on “non-aviation security issues” and is no longer a ...
Main Justice - 36 related articles
http://www.mainjustice.com/2010/11/24/airport-security-and-the-revolving-door/

►
#
Full Body Scanner Lobby: Michael Chertoff & Rapiscan | NowPublic ...
Jan 7, 2010 ... A few days later the Washington Post revealed that Chertoff represents Rapiscan - a maker of full body scanners drawing criticism of groups ...
www.nowpublic.com/.../full-body-scanner-lobby-michael-chertoff-rapiscan-2552674.html - Cached - Similar
#
Matthews Accusses EPIC's McCall of Slandering Chertoff for ...
Nov 22, 2010 ... A few days later the Washington Post revealed that Chertoff represents Rapiscan - a maker of full body scanners drawing criticism of groups ...
videocafe.crooksandliars.com/.../matthews-accusses-epics-mccall-slandering- - Cached
#

The other type of machine that TSA has been purchasing, the millimeter wave emitter, is manufactured by L-3 Communications, that is a larger defense contractor owned by Carlyle Group, represented by a lobbying firm that includes Tom Daschle's wife. See, the Airport Secuity Revolving Door article above, and:

http://www.sds.l-3com.com/products/mmwave.htm

[dixiegrrrrl]

12. The Carlyle Group....NOW I get it!

They own and run half the world, and have many movers and shakers of government and corporations involved at some level of their businesses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlyle_Group#Controversial_Legislation

[Warren Stupidity]

10. what is in danger here is the 4th amendment.

[pecwae]

11. Why can't everyone see this?

I honestly don't understand.

[leftstreet]

13. Becau$e they've got u$ debating which technique i$ better

$canner$ v$ pat down$

then

xray v$ radiowave



and on it goes

[Gormy Cuss]

15. Soon there will be nothing considered an unreasonable search n/t