U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA uses x-ray machines to screen carry-on items and checked luggage. TSA x-ray equipment must meet the FDA requirements (see below) to limit passenger and worker exposure to radiation. TSA's occupational safety and health professionals adhere to specifications that meet the FDA requirements for screening equipment. They test the equipment when it is set up and may bring in outside specialists to test it as needed. In addition, TSA maintains the equipment and keeps it in good working order. At least once a year, the equipment is tested to make sure it meets federal, state and sometimes local safety standards.
Travel Tips: Advanced imaging technology
This video provides an overview of airport security scanners and their safety.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) makes sure that all x-ray systems and other radiation-emitting screening equipment are built to use radiation safely. The FDA requires that all machines be correctly calibrated and maintained. Their rules apply to all x-ray equipment at airports as well as medical equipment and other uses of radiation-emitting equipment.
Cabinet X-Ray Systems (Closed X-Ray Systems)
This webpage provides information about cabinet x-ray systems including risks and benefits of their use.
The Health Physics Society (HPS)
The HPS is a group of scientists that research and make recommendations about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation topics. They also produce informational reports, fact sheets, and websites to help people better understand radiation. The Society is established in the United States as an independent nonprofit scientific organization, and is not affiliated with any government, industrial organization or private entity.
Pregnancy and Security Screenings
This webpage addresses concerns regarding the use of airport security scanners while pregnant.
Safety for Security Screening Using Devices That Expose Individuals to Ionizing Radiation
This webpage addressed frequently asked questions about backscatter x-ray systems.
I am an expert in radiation safety and security screening technologies, with a demonstrated understanding of the intricate web of regulations and standards governing these areas. My expertise extends to various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Health Physics Society (HPS).
The TSA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air travel by utilizing x-ray machines to screen both carry-on items and checked luggage. A fundamental aspect of this screening process is adhering to FDA requirements to limit passenger and worker exposure to radiation. The TSA's occupational safety and health professionals follow specific specifications that align with FDA requirements for screening equipment. They conduct rigorous testing during the equipment setup, occasionally bringing in outside specialists to ensure compliance.
Maintenance is paramount in the TSA's approach, and the equipment undergoes testing at least once a year to ensure it meets federal, state, and sometimes local safety standards. This dedication to ongoing evaluation and compliance underscores the TSA's commitment to the safety of air travelers and airport personnel.
The U.S. FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) plays a pivotal role in overseeing all x-ray systems and radiation-emitting screening equipment, not only in airports but also in medical settings and other applications. The FDA mandates that these machines are correctly calibrated and maintained to ensure the safe use of radiation. This stringent oversight is part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at protecting public health and safety.
For a more in-depth understanding of the risks and benefits associated with cabinet x-ray systems, individuals can refer to the information provided by the FDA on their webpage dedicated to Cabinet X-Ray Systems (Closed X-Ray Systems).
The Health Physics Society (HPS) serves as a valuable resource in the field, comprised of scientists who conduct research and provide recommendations on both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation topics. As an independent nonprofit scientific organization, the HPS produces informational reports, fact sheets, and websites to enhance public understanding of radiation, offering a wealth of knowledge for those seeking comprehensive information on the subject.
Addressing specific concerns, the U.S. FDA provides information on pregnancy and security screenings, addressing worries related to the use of airport security scanners during pregnancy. Additionally, the FDA addresses frequently asked questions about backscatter x-ray systems on a dedicated webpage, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and public awareness regarding the safety of security screening using devices that expose individuals to ionizing radiation.
