US to Remove Body Scanners From Busy Airports
Posted on October 23, 2012 by
Back on September 28 we mentioned that the European Union was stopping the use of body scanners at airports. The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now removing the full-body X-ray scanners from busy airports.
The backscatter scanners, which have been controversial due to privacy concerns and potential health risks from exposure to radiation, have never been popular with travelers. However, the reason for the move had nothing to do with health concerns, according to the TSA. The move was made to speed up security lines, says the TSA. The backscatter machines are being replaced by machines that portray an abstract, cartoon-like representation of a traveler rather than the near-naked image of the backscatter machines.
The TSA told CNBC that the replacement scanners are currently installed in the following airports: Boston Logan International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Orlando International Airport.Charlotte Douglas International Airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport are scheduled to receive the replacement machines as well.
The backscatter scanners are being moved to less busy airports, where security lines will not be as impacted. Travelers may still opt out from being scanned, and instead receive a thorough hand inspection by TSA security.
Source: CNBC
