These wands are battery powered. They measure the change in "magnetism" (for simplicity) when passing over metal vs. non-metal objects on your person. There is no high frequency radiation or particles coming from these devices.

Your electric shaver puts out more EM radiation that one of these wands, and you hold it to your face much closer and longer than a security wand. Why be afraid of something just because it's unfamiliar?

[This message has been edited by TA (edited 04-25-2002).]