NYT blog re Backscatters
Aug 11, 2012 | 11:56 am
#16
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I've been wondering how long is it going to take California to mandate a placard that reads "WARNING: This machine emits radiation known to the State of California to cause cancer and / or other reproductive harm".
I'm wondering of the TSOs not wearing lead jackets is something done to a) cut costs, b) not scare passengers. Personally I've never been given a lead vest for small dental x-rays (those little 1"x1" squares), but I was given one once for a panoramic dental x-ray. That was the only time I saw the tech wearing one, coincidentally, the machine looked like it was surplus equipment from the USSR. So if they start wearing lead vests people will start freaking out because that would be something against the assurances of Mr. Pistol that the radiation is small.
I'm wondering of the TSOs not wearing lead jackets is something done to a) cut costs, b) not scare passengers. Personally I've never been given a lead vest for small dental x-rays (those little 1"x1" squares), but I was given one once for a panoramic dental x-ray. That was the only time I saw the tech wearing one, coincidentally, the machine looked like it was surplus equipment from the USSR. So if they start wearing lead vests people will start freaking out because that would be something against the assurances of Mr. Pistol that the radiation is small.
Aug 11, 2012 | 12:40 pm
#17
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Aug 11, 2012 | 12:49 pm
#18
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The article says people who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant may go through metal detectors without any additional screening. Is that really policy? Can they discriminate if a man thinks they are pregnant?
Aug 11, 2012 | 5:35 pm
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Aug 11, 2012 | 8:27 pm
#21
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^ Absolutely, especially now that they're finished with Disneyland.
There's one at SeaWorld too, and even the Stone Brewing Co brewery in Escondido has that sign.
If it's a machine, it can fail, and if it can fail, chances are it will.
Aug 11, 2012 | 8:41 pm
#22
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Absent outside verification of that claim, I'm skeptical. It's a moot point for me personally, because I can't assume and hold the position in the scanner. I hope for the TSOs who trust their management that the machines are safe. I wouldn't work around them (and at one time, I actually considered working for TSA).
Aug 12, 2012 | 8:11 pm
#23
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Sure, clothing doesn't entirely block the radiation, but I wonder if being in a pocket would affect the accuracy of a dosimeter. Physical contact with the cloth, or differences in moisture or temperature - do any of those factors alter the effectiveness of a dosimeter badge? I just don't know enough about the devices themselves to know for sure.