Originally Posted by
Wimpie
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
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.