Flew MAN-HEL yesterday and experienced a new kind of security test. Or, to be precise, my better half did.

She was picked out after x-raying and she was asked to squeeze a bit of her hand lotion (which was properly in a ziplock bag) onto a piece of fabric. The sample was then tested with a strip of paper that looked similar to a lithmus paper. After the paper did not change color, she was told the lotion was OK and she could go.

Apparently, the test is brand new and has only been used for three days at MAN. The official applying the test was quite friendly and he indicated that his main purpose was to try out the testing procedure for himself. He did not explain exactly what the test is for, but one would assume it is used for detecting dangerous substances in liquids or creams.

Has anybody else been through this test and does anybody know what exactly does the procedure test?

Cheers,
T.

I was also picked out and tested with the lithmus paper (I think the security lady said it was litmus paper) on my monthwash at LHR last Thursday. I didn't ask what it was for but I assumed that they were testing for chemicals/explosives since lotions/monthwash/toothpaste etc. would register as fairly neutral pH wise or else it would burn you. Not sure how long they've been doing it though.

Cool as such tests may be, they're evidence that those in charge are simply lunatics. Liquids, lotions, gels and creams just don't represent an honest, credible threat to justify such nonsense.

Those tests aren't exclusive to MAN. They're part of the new security procedures to selectively test certain liquids UK wide.

-mrploddy

And what colour exactly are they looking for with the litmus paper?

If something is strongly acidic or alkaline, the solution wouldn't neccesarily burn you. Lemon juice is a good example. Not saying you'd want to pour it into your eyes but on your hands, face, hair, whatever it wouldn't cause any problems.

Makes the litmus test even stranger...

My guess is it is not litmus test per se. If you read my first post, I stated "The sample was then tested with a strip of paper that looked similar to a lithmus paper". Acidity testing would not be able to detect many explosives and looking for very small amounts of corrosives seems like a waste of time.

Cheers,
T.

So people keep saying, as if saying it enough make it true.

In any case, this could just be a big Psych out. Have you been reading the press reports that millions in Pakistan are worried about catching a virus on their cell phone from a restricted ringtone?

No, it certainly isn't. Either a peroxide-detecting (immunoassay) strip or a TNT-detecting strip (ARIS-based). The effectiveness or otherwise of either in detecting all forms of aqueous explosives I'll leave to the chemists among us.