EPIC v. DHS: New FOIA'd Documents Raise New Questions About WBI Radiation
#63
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,628
I'll admit to being fairly ignorant in what I'm about to say, but I'm at least basing it on some common sense. Couldn't the employees keep the dosimeters in a pocket? Maybe there's an argument to be made about clothing deflecting some of the rays, but actually that would more closely reflect the amount of radiation that reaches the scanner victim's skin.
#64
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: twitter:TSAABUSEWATCH
Posts: 100
TSA Blueshirts are literally betting their lives that there own management is telling them the truth about the MMW and Backscattter Chambers.
Even on here, the Blueshirts will sometimes take management to task over certain things they disagree with. Yet when it comes to their most valuable posession - their health, they gulp down whatever is fed to them.
If these people didn't enjoy groping innocent people so much, I would feel sorry for them.
Even on here, the Blueshirts will sometimes take management to task over certain things they disagree with. Yet when it comes to their most valuable posession - their health, they gulp down whatever is fed to them.
If these people didn't enjoy groping innocent people so much, I would feel sorry for them.
Last edited by TsaAbuseWatch; Aug 12, 2011 at 7:33 pm
#65
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 471
TSA Blueshirts are literally betting their lives that there own management is telling them the truth about the MMW and Backscattter Chambers.
Even on here, the Blueshirts will sometimes take management to task over certain things they disagree with. Yet when it comes to their most valuable profession - their health, they gulp down whatever is fed to them.
If these people didn't enjoy groping innocent people so much, I would feel sorry for them.
Even on here, the Blueshirts will sometimes take management to task over certain things they disagree with. Yet when it comes to their most valuable profession - their health, they gulp down whatever is fed to them.
If these people didn't enjoy groping innocent people so much, I would feel sorry for them.
#66
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 82
Well, we can't have people making reasonable choices based on facts, can we?
I'll admit to being fairly ignorant in what I'm about to say, but I'm at least basing it on some common sense. Couldn't the employees keep the dosimeters in a pocket? Maybe there's an argument to be made about clothing deflecting some of the rays, but actually that would more closely reflect the amount of radiation that reaches the scanner victim's skin.
I'll admit to being fairly ignorant in what I'm about to say, but I'm at least basing it on some common sense. Couldn't the employees keep the dosimeters in a pocket? Maybe there's an argument to be made about clothing deflecting some of the rays, but actually that would more closely reflect the amount of radiation that reaches the scanner victim's skin.
#67
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: in the sky
Posts: 490
Well, we can't have people making reasonable choices based on facts, can we?
I'll admit to being fairly ignorant in what I'm about to say, but I'm at least basing it on some common sense. Couldn't the employees keep the dosimeters in a pocket? Maybe there's an argument to be made about clothing deflecting some of the rays, but actually that would more closely reflect the amount of radiation that reaches the scanner victim's skin.
I'll admit to being fairly ignorant in what I'm about to say, but I'm at least basing it on some common sense. Couldn't the employees keep the dosimeters in a pocket? Maybe there's an argument to be made about clothing deflecting some of the rays, but actually that would more closely reflect the amount of radiation that reaches the scanner victim's skin.
#68
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MLB, MCO
Programs: Delta Plat, IHG Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,315
I don't know the exact frequency of the MMW machines, but MMW is just K-band EM radiation. It's the exact same frequencies that police radar, automatic door openers, and numerous other common devices use. If MMW wave machines unzip your DNA, I'd suggest avoiding places like Wal-Mart. You're DNA will be unzipped by the much larger, poorly calibrated MMW radiation coming off of the automatic doors on the way in and out.
#69
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,628
I don't know the exact frequency of the MMW machines, but MMW is just K-band EM radiation. It's the exact same frequencies that police radar, automatic door openers, and numerous other common devices use. If MMW wave machines unzip your DNA, I'd suggest avoiding places like Wal-Mart. You're DNA will be unzipped by the much larger, poorly calibrated MMW radiation coming off of the automatic doors on the way in and out.
Look at it this way: if you operate your microwave oven with the door off, you might get a little sick. If you stand in front of a ground-to-satellite microwave transmitter, you'll get fried.
By the way, I am making no specific claim that MMW is dangerous (aside from my post elsewhere that it made me feel dizzy and nauseated) but I am disputing the notion that because similar frequencies are used at places like Wal-Mart, that doesn't mean MMW is safe.
Last edited by SFOSpiff; Aug 13, 2011 at 1:12 pm
#70
Join Date: May 2010
Location: FLL - Nice and Warm
Programs: TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 1,025
I don't know the exact frequency of the MMW machines, but MMW is just K-band EM radiation. It's the exact same frequencies that police radar, automatic door openers, and numerous other common devices use. If MMW wave machines unzip your DNA, I'd suggest avoiding places like Wal-Mart. You're DNA will be unzipped by the much larger, poorly calibrated MMW radiation coming off of the automatic doors on the way in and out.
My opinion is that there is no health risk from the MM scanners (privacy and 4th amendment issues, however).
Even is a health risk can be attributed to cell phones, this is 5000X less power and the exposure is approx 2 seconds.
If you are still concerned, better stay away from wireless hot spots, wireless adapters in computers, automatic door openers, and cops operating radar guns and keep hundreds of feet away from operating microwave ovens (yes - they all leak a small amount of RF)- better stay home and hide under your bed!
Worldwide, the scientific consensus is that the MM wave scanners are SAFE - just keep miles away from the BIG BLUE BOXES
#71
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MLB, MCO
Programs: Delta Plat, IHG Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,315
Actually, MMW scanners operate on Ka band (26.5 to 40 GHz). Their actual operating frequency is a sweep between 24.5Ghz and 30Ghz. Their output power level is approx 40 MICROWATTS, nearly immeasurable. Your cell phone transmits at approx 200 MILLIWATTS, about 5,000 times more power.
My opinion is that there is no health risk from the MM scanners (privacy and 4th amendment issues, however).
Even is a health risk can be attributed to cell phones, this is 5000X less power and the exposure is approx 2 seconds.
If you are still concerned, better stay away from wireless hot spots, wireless adapters in computers, automatic door openers, and cops operating radar guns and keep hundreds of feet away from operating microwave ovens (yes - they all leak a small amount of RF)- better stay home and hide under your bed!
Worldwide, the scientific consensus is that the MM wave scanners are SAFE - just keep miles away from the BIG BLUE BOXES
My opinion is that there is no health risk from the MM scanners (privacy and 4th amendment issues, however).
Even is a health risk can be attributed to cell phones, this is 5000X less power and the exposure is approx 2 seconds.
If you are still concerned, better stay away from wireless hot spots, wireless adapters in computers, automatic door openers, and cops operating radar guns and keep hundreds of feet away from operating microwave ovens (yes - they all leak a small amount of RF)- better stay home and hide under your bed!
Worldwide, the scientific consensus is that the MM wave scanners are SAFE - just keep miles away from the BIG BLUE BOXES
As an engineer, I agree that there shouldn't be any health concerns with MMW. I usually go through MMW machines because personally, I'd rather someone see my junk than touch it. But I always, always refuse the backscatter machines.
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,320
Yeah, the TSA goons could do that. We can't. (Not that the badges are sensitive enough to mean anything unless something's seriously wrong with the scanner.)
#73
Join Date: May 2010
Location: FLL - Nice and Warm
Programs: TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 1,025
The MMW band spans both K and Ka band. Do you have a source for it being a Ka band signal? I can't fund my source for it being K band, but I promise I didn't make it up Regardless, Ka band is the most common used for police radar guns, which again are a much higher output than the extremely clean, low power RF coming off of a MMW machine. so if you have health concerns about MMW, don't go near a cop with a radar gun.
As an engineer, I agree that there shouldn't be any health concerns with MMW. I usually go through MMW machines because personally, I'd rather someone see my junk than touch it. But I always, always refuse the backscatter machines.
As an engineer, I agree that there shouldn't be any health concerns with MMW. I usually go through MMW machines because personally, I'd rather someone see my junk than touch it. But I always, always refuse the backscatter machines.
Link here:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...l#post16907222
#74
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,704
RadioGirl posted a link to the FCC documents concerning the L3. They got it approved under article 15, but needed a waiver for any interference that may result. (They can only use them indoors).
Link here:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...l#post16907222
Link here:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...l#post16907222
#75
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043
I found these in one of my catalogs today.
I know, the specs are probably all wrong, but I did think of our TSA friends when I saw it.
I know, the specs are probably all wrong, but I did think of our TSA friends when I saw it.
No radiation guesswork! Advanced duo of direct reading Pen Dosimeters accurately read, at any time, accumulated dose (quantity of gamma and x-ray exposure in roentgen units).
Sealed Dosimeter Pens are 4 3/8"l., designed to satisfy military specs. Sturdy metal pocket clip. Charging Station has an adjustment dial on a 4 x 4 x 1 7/8" metal case.
Condition: brand new, never issued. Be safe, order ONLINE now!
Sealed Dosimeter Pens are 4 3/8"l., designed to satisfy military specs. Sturdy metal pocket clip. Charging Station has an adjustment dial on a 4 x 4 x 1 7/8" metal case.
Condition: brand new, never issued. Be safe, order ONLINE now!