One Thing Every Frequent Traveler Needs to Know

If you’re a frequent airline traveler, you’re probably quite familiar with the body scanners that are being used to detect potentially harmful devices that may place others at risk while traveling aboard aircraft. In the name of safety, thousands of radiation scanners are being used to scan over 14 million U.S. travelers per month¹. While thwarting potential threats to the country and civilians should always be a top priority, but how much attention is being raised on the health risks that are associated with this form of radiation exposure?

I recently traveled to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Live Conference in Miami where, when going through the airport security checkpoints, when I requested for a pat down vs. having to go through the metal detector, the agent asked me for the reason.  When I explained to him that I did not want to increase my radiation exposure, he immediately said, “There’s no radiation.”  I knew immediately that this was not true because metal detectors make use of low-intensity magnetic fields that expose people to radiation.  While it may not be ionizing radiation, which means that it does not create damage, biologically, to someone, it is radiation nonetheless.

Then, when I arrived at the conference, in order to enter and leave the conference, every attendee had to go through metal detectors.  So, since we all had to go out each day for lunch, we would all go through the metal detectors at least four times a day for the entire duration of the conference.  Having had ovarian cancer, I’ve had more than my fair share of ionizing radiation from numerous X-rays, CT scans, PET/CT scans, as well as non-ionizing radiation from numerous MRI’s, so at this point, I feel it important to mitigate further risk, especially since those who are elderly, very young, or who are immunocompromised from having HIV or cancer, are more at risk for the harmful effects of radiation.

Despite the common belief that MRI’s are not harmful, there is research that questions the effects and safety of magnetic resonance.  For example, a 2009 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health article indicates that electromagnetic forces “(EMF) generated during MRI diagnostic scan have genotoxic effects, in terms of micronuclei (MN) induction.”  It goes on to further say that an increased MN frequency is associated with early events in carcinogenesis.”² The micronucleus is the small nucleus that forms whenever there is a chromosome or fragment of a chromosome that is not incorporated into one of the daughter nuclei during cell division.  This is an indicator of chromosomal instability and are commonly found in cancerous cells.

If your airport still uses a few metal-detectors, as is often found in the TSA Pre✓® lines, you may still be placing yourself at risk. The metal detectors that we were used to seeing prior to 2010 uses electromagnetic fields to detect metal on your body. In 2010, seven studies were conducted on the possible link between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. Residences with exposure of 0.3 microtesla or less (which equates to 3 milligauss) were studied over a 24-hour period. It was concluded that a direct relationship exists between the increase in the strength of magnetic fields and the incidence rate of childhood leukemia.³  The measurement of an electromagnetic field of an airport metal detector is 3,341 milligauss.⁴

There are two main types of scanners that were introduced to our airports – backscatter and millimeter wave. Backscatter machines use low-energy x-rays that penetrate clothing and bounce off the skin. The reflected x-rays then produce a 3D image of the body, providing information on anything that may be viewed as a potential threat.

Back in 2011, the European Union banned these machines because they did not want to impose any non-medical use of x-rays on its citizens.  The EU concluded that X-ray body scanners that use ‘backscatter’ ionized radiation technology, “emit enough radiation to theoretically damage DNA and cause cancer.  While the level of radiation is extremely low, some studies have found that over time a small number of cancer cases could result from scanning millions of people a year.  Statistically, the incidence is minuscule, but it’s a possibility nonetheless.”⁵ Eventually, these scanners were also removed from U.S. airports as privacy concerns continued to grow with the realistic 3D images that resulted.

Currently, both the European Union and the United States use millimeter wave body scanners. Unlike the 3D images produced by backscatter devices, the images produced from a millimeter wave device is 2D, resembling an outline of a body without anatomical detail. Millimeter wave machines use microwaves that reflect off the travelers’ skin to highlight potential threats on the passenger’s body for airport security agents. Millimeter wave technology is used in microwaves, cell phones.   These devices have been deemed as a safer method of detection than backscatter scanners because they use nonionizing radiation.⁶ However, this concentrated radiation can damage skin cells, along with adjacent tissues, which may impair cellular response, thus potentially leading to cancer.

Millimeter wave technology is disruptive to your cells, causing them to vibrate very quickly, which produces heat within the cells. Therefore, you’re essentially walking into a microwave and “nuking” yourself for a few seconds every time you use these machines. This same technology is also being used in 5G technology and in military weapons for crowd control, giving the beam’s recipient an unpleasant burning sensation until they are out of the beam’s path.⁷

Additionally, the non-thermal effects of millimeter waves may also cause cellular disturbances.  In his article, How Safe is an Airport Full Body Scanner?, Ty Bollinger writes that through the U.S. Air Force’s research in using millimeter wave technology in weapons, they uncovered that “the non-thermal activity of millimeter wave radiation directly interferes with the body’s ability to protect and heal itself.”⁸ Therefore, this technology compromises the immune system and response of the body.

Although the population has been informed that these body scanning devices are supposed to detect the outline of an object that could be a potential weapon or explosive device on the human body, could it be possible that this radiation may be penetrating more deeply beyond your skin?

I spoke with a friend who built in time while traveling so that she can get patted down by security instead of having to expose herself to the radiation. However, on one particular trip, after having stood in the security line for over two hours, she was afraid that she would miss her flight if she waited for a pat down. Reluctantly, she proceeded to go through the body scanner and was flagged by the machine. The TSA agent showed her on the screen the area that had been highlighted for her.

My friend was a bit taken aback as the scanner picked up her lower abdominal area. What’s interesting is that she was dealing with a bout of constipation at the time.  Had these scanners somehow detected inflammation or body heat?  If the scanners are only to pick up outlines of materials on the outside of your body, how did it pick up that she was dealing with abdominal inflammation?  Could this have just been coincidental?

With the potential harm that these machines can cause to our health, are they doing more harm than good? According to the Scientific American article, Is That Airport Security Scanner Really Safe?, the TSA continually posts the items that they have found using these machines. However, they have failed to provide their high false-positive rate.⁹  Going further, a 2011 ProPublica report stated that in Germany, “the false positive rate was 54 percent, meaning that every other person who went through the scanner had to undergo at least a limited pat-down that found nothing.”¹⁰ In some instances, even a bead of sweat could also trigger an alert. With the high false-positive rate with these machines, one German Parliament member went as far as to label the millimeter wave machines as “defective products.” However, as of 2016, the German government has chosen a newer body scanner to use in airports and government facilities that uses millimeter wave technology.¹¹

My friend, as mentioned above, had a more in-depth conversation with a TSA agent on another trip as she awaited someone to pat her down. Curious about the false-positives with the millimeter wave machines, she observed a number of people being flagged.  The agent then nonchalantly informed her that the majority of flags are for women due to their bras or pantiliners. Additionally, men wearing high socks are flagged as potential threats. However, the majority of those flagged are not carrying any type of weapon or harmful device. This begs the question–are these machines just expensive deterrents that are placing public health at risk?

Additional research is still required to conclusively determine the long-term effects of millimeter wave technology. It may take years before we begin to see how these scanners affect those who pass through them periodically. With 5G technology on the horizon, which will expose the entire population to more of these waves, many scientists are continuing to ask for further research to ensure the safety of the masses.

Ways you can minimize your radiation exposure from the security scanners:

1. Arrive early. Arrive with ample time to allow for a pat-down in lieu of going through the millimeter wave body scanners or metal detectors. If you’re a female traveler, this is particularly important because it often takes much more time to wait for a female security agent to connect the pat down.
2. Invest in an expedited airport security program. If you’re a frequent traveler, it may be helpful to invest in Clear® or TSA Pre✓® to avoid excessively long wait times. While you will still be confronted with the metal detectors or body scanners, if you opt for a pat down, these lines are considerably shorter than the regular security checkpoint lines.
3. Antioxidants. Take extra antioxidants to counter the free-radicals generated from the radiation exposure if you do decide to go through the scanners.  This includes Vitamins A, C, and full spectrum Vitamin E forms, to include delta-tocotrienols and gamma-tocotrienols, as well as other supplements like resveratrol.
4. Detoxify. Orally take some bentonite clay to help pull out the harmful effects and metabolites from any radiation exposure. You can also use a bentonite cream to apply topically especially to your thyroid as the thyroid is particularly sensitive to radiation.
5. Iodine. Ensure that you are taking iodine, which most Americans are deficient in, which will help to protect your thyroid from any radiation exposure.

Although the process may feel personally invasive and more time-consuming, taking a few extra minutes to limit your radiation exposure may limit your risk for cellular damage and potentially developing cancer. While it’s important to keep the skies safe and secure, and technology can be extremely helpful towards this end, as technology continues to evolve, we are being exposed to more and more harmful electromagnetic fields on a daily basis. Whenever you’re presented with a decision point, opt for what’s healthiest in the long run.

If you’re a frequent traveler and have used these scanners, how often have you been flagged?  Please let me know in the comments below.

Ready to make your health a priority? Contact me here to schedule your consultation.

References:

1 U.S. Dept. of Transportation. (2018, March). U.S. International Air Passenger and Freight Statistics. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/office-policy/aviation-policy/306551/us-international-air-passenger-and-freight-statistics-september-2017.pdf

2 Bonassi, S., Znaor, A., Ceppi, M., Lando, C., Chang, W. P., Holland, N., . . . Fenech, M. (2007, March). An increased micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes predicts the risk of cancer in humans. Retrieved April 26, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16973674

3 Kheifets, L., Ahlbom, A., Crespi, C. M., Draper, G., Hagihara, J., Lowenthal, R. M., . . . Wunsch, V. (2010, September 28). Pooled analysis of recent studies on magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20877339

4 Boivin, W., Coletta, J., & Kerr, L. (2003, May). Characterization of the magnetic fields around walk-through and hand-held metal detectors. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12747477

5 DiSalvo, D. (2011, November 15). Europe Bans Airport Body Scanners For “Health and Safety” Concerns. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2011/11/15/europe-bans-airport-body-scanners-over-health-and-safety-concerns/#6cbe85412b57

6 Harris, W. (n.d.). What’s the difference between backscatter machines and millimeter wave scanners? Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://science.howstuffworks.com/backscatter-machines-vs-millimeter-wave-scanners1.htm

7 5G and the IOT: Scientific Overview of Human Health Risks. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://ehtrust.org/key-issues/cell-phoneswireless/5g-networks-iot-scientific-overview-human-health-risks

8 Bollinger, T. (n.d.). How Safe is an Airport Full Body Scanner? Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/airport-full-body-scanner/

9 Khan, F. N. (2017, December 18). Is That Airport Security Scanner Really Safe? Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/is-that-airport-security-scanner-really-safe/

10 Grabell, M., & Salewski, C. (2011, December 19). Sweating Bullets: Body Scanners Can See Perspiration as a Potential Weapon. Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://www.propublica.org/article/sweating-bullets-body-scanners-can-see-perspiration-as-a-potential-weapon

11 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. (2016, August 11). Rohde & Schwarz awarded major security scanner contract from German Federal Ministry of the Interior – 11-Aug-2016 – Press Release. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/news-press/press-room/press-releases-detailpages/rohde-schwarz-awarded-major-security-scanner-contract-from-german-federal-ministry-of-the-interior-press_releases_detailpage_229356-314944.html