<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NYJETS:
As everyone has their own opinions on the xray machine, my physician has advised me not to go through. Some new books on the market also state that pregnant women should avoid the machine...but again, it is an individual decision.[/B]</font>
I kept thinking about what the physician is said to have said above and it really made me mad. Your physician is either a) a quack or b) just going along with you because you are obviously concerned. You are NOT going through an X-ray machine or being exposed to X-rays when going through the metal detector.
There are lots of books that say lots of wacky things. Why don't you look at the facts. The most basic one was already cited above, you're getting FAR more radiation from flying than from anything else in the airport. Some links for you to peruse:
WHO study on electromagnetic fields
WHO presentation on electromagnetic fields
FAQ on radiation safety lots of good stuff here.
A Q and A page that addresses exactly your concern
To quote the last link:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">In summary, because of its nonionizing properties, the magnetic field generated in a metal detector will not cause harm to persons even with routine and/or repeated scanning.</font>
[Edited to fix URLs]
[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited 05-21-2003).]