Menu
emf-doc
Information on emf's & how to mitigate them
Backscatter X-Ray Technology
Purpose
To detect concealed metallic and non-metallic liquids, gels, plastics, etc., under clothing.
This system emits small amounts of X-rays and detects the reflection of those X-rays off the skin. X-rays are an IONIZING and PENETRATING form of radiation. They disrupt DNA. This system does penetrate the skin and can affect underlying organs.
Output
The scanners produe an output of 50 kVp, producing a tenth value layer (level at which the measured surface value decreases to 1/10 of the surface measurement) of about 8 cm in tissue. A scan takes approximately 15 seconds.
Symptoms of Radiation Sickness
(I am not suggesting that the machines cause these, but just see how you feel immediately after passing though your next scan…)
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, and rectum
- Bloody stool
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Inflammation of exposed areas (redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding)
- Mouth ulcers
- Nausea and vomiting
- Open sores on the skin
- Skin burns (redness, blistering)
- Sloughing of skin
- Ulcers (sores) in the esophagus (food pipe), stomach or intestines
- Vomiting blood
- Weakness
According to sciencedirect.com, the manufacturers of these devices suggest that a passenger could pass through the device 1000-2000 times per year before they would receive a dose of radiation equivalent to a single chest x-ray. ( I would question if 15,000 seconds (250 minutes) of low dose, skin-focused X-rays are healthy to my body.)
Better Option
You may be able to ask for an alternative screening method according to the law. Simply inform the TSA officer that you would like to “opt out”. It takes a few minutes more, but you do not get exposed to a possible EMF exposure. http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2015/12/23/tsa-can-now-make-you-go-through-body-scanner/77802418/