Posted on 12/10/2010 2:35:38 PM PST by MamaDearest
Abstract Little information exists on the performance of x-ray backscatter machines now being deployed through UK, US and other airports. We implement a Monte Carlo simulation using as input what is known about the x-ray spectra used for imaging, device specifications and available images to estimate penetration and exposure to the body from the x-ray beam, and sensitivity to dangerous contraband materials. We show that the body is exposed throughout to the incident x-rays, and that although images can be made at the exposure levels claimed (under 100 nanoGrey per view), detection of contraband can be foiled in these systems. Because front and back views are obtained, low Z materials can only be reliable detected if they are packed outside the sides of the body or with hard edges, while high Z materials are well seen when placed in front or back of the body, but not to the sides. Even if exposure were to be increased significantly, normal anatomy would make a dangerous amount of plastic explosive with tapered edges difficult if not impossible to detect.
These scanners should be taken out of airports immediately.
Potential Health Risks over Back Scanners:
http://www.npr.org/assets/news/2010/05/17/concern.pdf
Subject: Doctors sound TSA germ alert
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=232457
According to this abstract by professionals, even if exposure was amflified, plastic explosives might be difficult if not impossible to detect.
Meanwhile Michael Chertoff and the others vested in the technology continue to be enriched by the TSA.
.....and Homeland Security via Janet Napolitano and Obama while Americans are exposed (possibly needlessly) to excessive radiation. First came the light bulbs with poisonous mercury, now this!
The expolosive is only 1 part out of the 3 parts of a bomb. Would it find the other 2 parts?
Even changing gloves before examining each prisoner...er passenger would not relieve the problem of exchanging germs from one to another person.
When you change gloves, you must use one hand to remove the first glove, thus picking up any germs from the removed glove. Then the clean hand is used to remove the second glove thus picking up germs. The same hands are then used to put clean gloves on thus transferring the germs to the outside of the new gloves.
It is necessary to scrub the gloves while on the hands, remove them and sterilize the hands. THEN pick up a new pair from the pack, or have a nurse with sterilized hands put them on the examiner, as is done prior to surgery in a hospital.
Depends upon the angles scanned it appears:
Oops! I made it past the TSA screeners with a 6-inch hunting knife
On my way to Chicago for business this past week the TSA missed the six inch hunting knife in my coat pocket while they busied themselves wanding my crotch and checking my hands for powder residues.
The knife was a gift from an outdoorsman friend and I forgot it was in my jacket pocket. In fact, it was the only thing in my pocket. I came across it when I buckled my seat belt!
The other parts are... blasting cap or similar detonator and... what? Not knowing the size of these things I guess you could carry the cap in your mouth or some other body cavity.
Or get a burka-wearing Muslim woman to carry it all in for you. Just keep her hands and shoulders clean and you're all set.
You can tell that’s not Mooshell’s x-ray image because the belt is too low.
Power supply/switch.
How many people representative of Obama's administration have made it a point to be scanned for the public good?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.