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Senate bill seeks study on TSA body scanners radiation

Cynthia Hodges' photo
Chicago Homeland Security Examiner

January 26, 2012   U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) will introduce legislation in Congress to require a new independent health study of the full body X-ray scanners deployed at U.S. airports across the country since 2009. 

TSA Chief John Pistole agreed to an independent study of the full body X-ray scanners after repeated requests by Senator Collins on November 2, during his testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, in which Collins is a ranking member.

On November 9, Pistole reneged on the deal, telling the Senate transportation committee that independent studies had demonstrated the machines emit a "minute" amount of radiation. Pistole said a draft of a report by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security validated earlier conclusions that the machines are not harmful and therefore there is no need for a new study. 
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Collins, reportedly upset with Pistole's testimony, countered by saying the IG report addressed the maintaince and operation of the machines, and not the health effects. She said after the recent European Commission's announcement that it wouldn't authorize X-ray scanners for passengers, "an independent study is justified."
 
The safety of the full body scanner technology was questioned by Senator Collins after test results regarding the radiation were posted on the agency's website in 2011. Senator Collins, in a statement called the results of TSA tests "completely unacceptable."  The tests revealed calculation errors, missing data, and anomalies in the radiation emitted from certain passenger and luggage screening equipment.  
 
The safety of the scanners was addressed by Dr. Oz on October 8, 2010.  Dr. Oz and scientists challenged the TSA's claims, explaining that even though the exposure may be lower pressure, penetrating only the skin or a little more there is no evidence that it is safe.
 
The backscatter x-ray machines have been controversial since they debuted in 2009, however, primarily for fourth ammendment rights violations and privacy concerns. Many Americans' had never heard of the safety concerns about the radiation emitted by the technology.  
 
A defiant TSA ignored the warnings by experts and scientific studies, maintaining that the low levels of radiation emitted are perfectly safe, with no scientific evidence on which to base the claim. 

The National Academy of Sciences, and dozens of experts have confirmed Dr, Oz's claims. Decades of research clearly shows that any dose of radiation increases an individual’s risk for the development of cancer. 

On December 29, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued the following Sources Sought Notice Request: 

"for Information to improve its understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors that are capable of providing radiation dosimetry services to the TSA Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) in order to perform hazard assessments in accordance with DHS and TSA policy."
 
In the latest saga, the TSA is denying the Los Angeles Times report last week which said the TSA will test employees at more than 100 airports for radiation exposure. 
 

TSA is not commenting specifically on the drafted legislation. However, TSA spokesman Greg Soule said:

“the TSA is committed to working with Congress to explore options for an additional study to further prove these machines are safe for all passengers.”

A Senate bill seeks study on TSA body scanners radiation
A Senate bill seeks study on TSA body scanners radiation
Photo credit: 
thestar.com

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, Chicago Homeland Security Examiner

Cynthia Hodges holds a M.A.in Political Science from NEIU in Chicago, Illinois and a Post-Grad Professional Certificate in Disaster and Terrorism Management from University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill. In addition to a successful writing career, Cynthia is in the process of writing a book on...

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