Don't we get even more radiation as we wait just a few steps from the machine...? It can take 2-3 passengers going through the machine to actually be processed as an opt out. No: I am not a troll, TSO etc review my past posts, I am genuinely concerned.

I just wouldn't stand by the openings.

So we presume the sides of these are shielded?

There is a Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab report which stated that there needd to be more testing done to determine a safe distance from the machines. They did some analysis which recommended that a safe distance, pending further testing, was something like 14' above the machine (i.e.: the next floor above in most cases), 6' behind, and 4' to either side because they couldn't determine if radiation levels within these distances was within safe levels. Radiation follows the inverse square law. For example, the radiation 8' from either side would be 1/4 of what it would be at 4' away.

In other words, give yourself a wide berth and err on the conservative side while the screeners happily x-ray passengers, blissfully ignorant.

In all radiology practices we must be a minimum of 6 feet from the x-ray source.

So I would practice the same procedures for the backscatter x-ray machines.


But the TSA can stand right next to them for all I care.



.

Darwin at work from the grave.

Do TSA Agents who are pregnant operate these machines? If the TSA has a policy that pregnant TSA Agents can't operate these machines while they are pregnant then that proves that they don't think a pregnant woman should be near them. Also if they do allow pregnant TSA Agents to operate these machines. Then when these female agents give birth to children who were harmed due to radiation exposure. Then them being safe for pregnant women will be proven to be false.

As long as the machine is built correctly, installed correctly, maintained correctly, calibrated correctly, and operated correctly, you shouldn't have much to worry about if your not inside or near the opening.

Given the excellence demonstrated in everything else TSA does and the high quality of the employees in that fine agency, you should be fine.

backScatterX

Was that at attempt at sarcasm, or do you really believe that?

I guess the same high quality employees that told me I have no right last night are part of your TSA

OP, if I were you, I'd put about 8-10' between you and the Backscatter!

Absolutely. I don't think the TSA could maintain or properly operate a lunch box.

Good advice. ^^^ Distance and shielding. If you don't have the latter, you better have the former.

Lara21,

Now that is an excellent question and observation!

When I had my lower spine xrayed recently, the dr asked me beforehand if I was pregnant. I told him i wasn't, so the xray was ok.