X-Ray or X-Treme? The Truth About Airport Security Scanners

Imagine this: You’re standing in line at Malta International Airport, the sun-kissed walls of the terminal a stark contrast to the chill of the air-conditioning. The queue for security is snaking back, a testament to the summer’s influx of tourists. As you inch closer, you can’t help but wonder – are those machines really safe?

Fear of the Unknown

Airport security scanners have been a part of our travel routine for years now, but they’re still shrouded in a cloud of mystery. The full-body images they produce, the low-frequency electromagnetic waves they emit – it’s enough to make anyone pause and ponder. Are we being exposed to unnecessary radiation? Is there a hidden danger lurking in these machines?

It’s a valid concern, especially in a small island nation like Malta, where many of us rely on air travel for work or leisure. But let’s separate fact from fiction and take a closer look at these machines.

Meet the Machines

Malta International Airport uses two types of security scanners: the millimeter-wave scanner and the backscatter X-ray scanner. The millimeter-wave scanner uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to create a 3D image of your body. It’s like a high-tech version of those old-fashioned security gates at museums. The backscatter X-ray scanner, on the other hand, uses low-dose X-rays to create an image.

Both of these machines are designed to detect hidden objects, but they use different technologies to do so. And here’s where the myth-busting begins.

Debunking the Myths

Myth 1: Airport security scanners use dangerous levels of radiation.

Fact: The radiation emitted by these machines is minimal and well below the safety limits set by international bodies. The millimeter-wave scanner uses non-ionizing radiation, which is the same type of radiation used in mobile phones and microwaves. The backscatter X-ray scanner uses a very low dose of X-rays – about the same amount you’d receive from two minutes of natural background radiation.

Myth 2: Airport security scanners can cause cancer.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the low levels of radiation emitted by airport security scanners can cause cancer. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has set safety guidelines for exposure to these types of radiation, and airport security scanners comply with these guidelines.

Myth 3: Airport security scanners can see through clothes.

Fact: While it’s true that these scanners can detect objects hidden under clothes, they cannot see through them. The images produced by these machines are not detailed enough to make out any personal features or body parts. They’re designed to detect anomalies, not to create detailed images.

Local Perspective

Malta Civil Aviation Directorate, the authority responsible for aviation safety and security in Malta, assures us that these machines are safe and comply with international safety standards. “The security scanners used at Malta International Airport are approved by the European Commission and are safe for use,” says a spokesperson.

the machines are regularly maintained and calibrated to ensure they continue to operate safely and effectively. So, the next time you’re at the airport, you can pass through the security scanner with peace of mind.

But what if you’re still not comfortable with the idea of going through a security scanner? Good news – you don’t have to. You can opt for a physical pat-down instead. Just let the security officer know, and they’ll accommodate your request.

Airport security is a constantly evolving field, driven by the need to stay one step ahead of potential threats. As technology advances, we can expect to see new types of security scanners being introduced. But one thing is certain – safety will always be the top priority.

So, the next time you’re at the airport, remember that those machines are there to keep you safe, not to harm you. And if you ever have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask a security officer. They’re there to help and inform.

Now, let’s get back to that summer holiday. After all, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and Malta International Airport is the gateway to it all.