So, here's another article you might like to read.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/31...x.html?npt=NP1

As you can see, there are many opinions on the use of the x-ray machines and I'm certain everyone can find one to support their belief. The government does not trust me to be a responsible airline passenger simply trying to get from point A to point B and is willing to treat me as if I am a criminal with no rights whatsoever. I do not trust them to tell me the truth about their screening methods and therefore I choose to opt out.

I have no idea when the x-ray machine I am being directed to was last serviced and thus cannot be certain that the exposure is still within so-called "safe" limits. However, according to one doctor's opinion in this article, "All radiation exposure adds to the cumulative total you've received over your lifetime." "Cancer risks correlate with that number, so no dose of radiation is too small to matter."

Also mentioned in this article were the "foot x-ray machines" used in shoe stores many years ago. Unfortunately, I am old enough to remember them and I do remember how we were all told they were safe. Later, it was shown that they were not. I believe that may very well be true of these x-ray machines as well and therefore I am just not willing to take that chance.

Just remember, everyone has a choice. The more that choose to go through the machines mean less to be groped and therefore it doesn't take so long for me when I opt out.