Correction:
Note it does not say "into the skin". Assuming the cast is 1/4 inch thick the x-rays should never reach the skin. If this is producing enough x-ray to see bone after going through the cast, skin, and muscle it is penetrating more than 1/4 inch.

What is your expertise in the xraying of human subjects?

Who would be assuring that this xray device is properly maintained and does not emit dangerous levels of radiation?

Aren't xrays cumulative and prudence suggest limiting exposure to only when absolutely required?

OP, you have NO IDEA what that machine is spewing out. The specs are probably a security secret. Plus it is being operated by untrained idiots. I'm no expert but if it can see your bones I don't understand how it can be a low dose backscatter. DO NOT allow this!

Thanks, TK, for catching that.

Backscatter, as used in WBI, picks up shin and knee bones.

I just checked my shin bone and it seems to be closer to the surface than 1/4. Of course I have chicken legs so you mileage may vary.

I would not submit myself to this cast X-ray routine, basically because it is not helping me in any manner, and you cannot be sure it is doing no harm. In fact, many diagnostic and therapeutic equipments have delivered wrongful doses in the past (see this).

ETD would be appropriate.

I am a trained professional and a qualified expert in this field. If you can see b ones on this scan, then you have received an x-ray. In states (4) where I am licensed, you may not use use a machine to expose a human being to x-rays unless that machine is registered with the state bureau that tracks radiation generators used in human exposure, and in one of these states, any machine that generates any ionizing radiation.

Assuming California is ahead of the curve, which they usually are on such things, this is likely true there as well. Next, in each of these states, one is not allowed to operate an x-ray machine for the purpose of x-raying humans unless a written directive (prescription) has been provided by a licensed physician. Second, the operator of such machines must be trained, usually meaning holding at least an Associate degree and unless under direct supervision, holding a certificate in diagnostic or therapeutic radiology (AART). Further, at least in states I'm familiar with, each operator may not use them until they are registered and a detailed Radiation Safety Plan is in place, with a designated Radiation Safety Officer.

Further, most of these machines must be inspected on a regular basis by a qualified medical physicist to insure safety and quality of imaging.

I would not let a stranger in an airport x-ray me for any reason unless they present acceptable credentials in any state.

On the physics of x-raying casts. IF the cast is plaster, it primarily gypsum which is mostly Calcium, (same stuff as bones). Backscatter won't work very well since calcium is a strong x-ray absorber. That means more dose to get an image. If the cast is fiberglass (most are these days), then backscatter may work, I don't know.

In any event, much more information is needed to know exactly what is going on here. I suggest you report your experience to the appropriate state radiation regulatory agencies in California, copy the California Medical Board and ask them what their position is, on the x-raying of humans sans prescription. I would also write a letter of inquiry to the American College of Radiology informing them of your experience.

As far as the TSA comment that there is no proof that low level radiation is harmful, I agree. However, according to recognized standards, the NCRP and ICRP (National and International Commissions on Radiation Protection) both use, as a standard for the protection of the general public from potential harmful effects of ionizing radiation, the linear-no threshold theory of radiation effects: There is no safe threshold below which radiation exposure is completely safe. Scientifically, TSA is right, in my opinion and that of many radiobiologists. But from a regulatory perspective, they are wrong. Further, the proper standard advocated by both commissions is ALARA. As low as reasonably achievable. We should not be x-raying populations indiscriminately, willie-nillie.

I didn't know they used backscatter, as a result there would be no need for full transmission. So what I said earlier is not correct in regards to this type of x-ray device. However, knowing that now, depending on your girth seeing bone at 0.25inch is not out of the question.

i got to experience the cast-scope at jfk and subsequently at lax and "it doesn't show bones" but more of an outline along the lines of the nude-o-scope tho not as detailed. etd of my shoes and then pictures and that was it

Ask the TSO to be X-rayed so you can see how it works....then play dumb and tell him you didn't see it work...get the TSO to do it again....then tell the TSO how that thing gives you cancer and you would not get near one let alone work next to one...then make comments like..."boy, hope you don't plan on having any kids.." or "...hey, that mole looks really bad, I'd have that looked at right away..." or "...man, my uncle worked with one of those at the shoe store and lost all his body hair..."

THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION!!
First, being that I had already done this a few weeks before, I asked for a swab since that is how the other airports handle it. It would not be allowed since they have the cast machine.
Second, when she said that it could only xray the cast, I showed her the bones in my hand and asked why it was peneterating that deep. For the parts of my arm that weren't covered by the cast you could DEFINITELY see the individual bones in my hand.


If someone was concerned about something being inside the fiberglass cast, there are parts of the cast that are more than 1/2 inch deep so the machine would not detect it? Also, I go through the metal detector with no beep. What more could I be hiding in a cast 7 inches long that someone couldn't hide in their pants pocket? It seemed to be one of those situations that if I wanted to get on the plane, I have to do the 4 x-rays.
Thanks again for all the responses. I will be following up with the recommendations you had. It seems the only safe solution is to get the cast off before the next LAX flight or change to a different airport.

Sounds like it is all for the convenience of the TSA, not the public. Not a word in the PR piece about if the cast scope is voluntary, or the alternative screening methods, if any, if a pax refuses to use it for whatever reasons. Or is it a "You ain't gonna fly today" if you refuse to have your cast scanned at the 11 airports that have it? Obviously other airports without this latest terror-industrial $$$$ gizmo must have screening SOP for casts.

You might also consider using the TSA "Got FeedbacK" line of communication. Might learn if this is required or optional. Might also question who/what/where these equipment and operators are certified.

https://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/gotfeedb...tFeedback.aspx

This is typical, and to be expected, since TSA does not care about the convenience or safety of the public.

+1