Airport Scanners and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know
Have you ever gone through a body scanner at the airport, only to have it beep because of your phone in your pocket? You might have wondered about the cancer risk associated with small radiation emissions. In this article, we will debunk common myths and discuss the actual risks.
Understanding the Risks: Science Behind Airport Scanners
The primary concern many travelers have is the potential for these scanners to cause cancer. Body scanners at airports use millimeter wave frequencies, which are essentially radio waves. These types of waves do not cause cancer as they do not have the power to alter the cellular structure of the body, which is typically required for cancer development.
Why Millimeter Waves Are Safe
Millimeter waves do not use ionizing radiation, which means they do not have the energy to ionize atoms and molecules, a process that can lead to adverse health effects over prolonged exposure. In stark contrast, the toiletries you carry with you can sometimes contain substances like talcum powder, which has been associated with bladder cancer. The risk posed by these items is far higher than that from airport scanners.
What Happens When a Scanner Beeps Because of Your Phone?
If the scanner beeps because your phone is in your pocket, you will need to remove the phone and go through the process again. The base radiation from an airport scanner is extremely low, so it poses minimal risk, even if the phone is in your pocket. Your phone itself actually blocks some of the scanner's rays from reaching your body.
Comparative Risk: Scanners vs. Sunlight
Living daily life exposes you to far more radiation than a brief scan in an airport. For instance, just walking from your car in the parking lot to the entrance of the terminal can expose you to more UV radiation from the sun than the millimeter waves from a scanner. Therefore, you are at a much lower risk of developing any radiation-linked health problems from airport scans.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
If you have inadvertently carried your mobile device through a scanner, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. An oncologist or gastroenterologist can conduct an assessment to ensure that no harm has occurred. However, you should rest assured that the risk is extremely minimal.
Other Airport Scanning Equipment
The scanner in an airport is just one of several equipment used in the security process. Some airports also have x-ray machines for carry-on items, though these have been in use for decades. While theoretically, any source of radiation could pose a risk, the exposure to x-rays in airport security is so low that it is not a significant concern. The machines are designed and regulated to ensure that the radiation output is within safe limits.
Conclusion
In summary, there is an extremely low risk of developing cancer from airport scanners. The millimeter waves used in these scanners are not strong enough to cause cancer or any other cellular damage. If the scanner beeps because of your phone, it is not a major cause for concern, and you don't need to worry about significant cancer risk. However, if you are consistently carrying electronic devices like phones through scanners, it is advisable to discuss it with a medical professional to ensure peace of mind.