Five new full body scanners have been added to Orlando International Airport.
One of the new scanners, on the airport’s east side safety checkpoint, is expected to go fully operational Wednesday.
The other four scanners are on the west side of the airport.
The scanners use low levels of X-rays to see through clothing, so security officers can look for things like hidden weapons and bombs.
Some union leaders, however, have advised pilots not to go through the scanners, because they use radiation signals that could become dangerous to pilots over time.
The Transportation Security Administration said the machines are safe for infrequent fliers. Officials said the radiation levels are so low that none enters the body. Instead, the radiation bounces off passengers’ skin.
The dose is 2,000 times less than a chest X-ray, and 200,000 times less than a CAT scan.
But given the frequency that a pilot flies, they would have to pass through those scanners 15 to 18 times a month.
The Allied Pilots Association, representing 11,000 American Airlines pilots, said all that radiation could add up.
Meanwhile, for regular passengers, the scanners are now the preferred choice for security.
If it’s in use, then others would be directed through the metal detector.
Before entering the scanner, you’ll have to remove everything from your pockets, including any and all paper items.
Then, security officials will direct you to walk into the scanner and stand with your hands raised.
An officer in a glass room behind the scanner will then survey the image.
While the scanner shows a chalky outline of a nude body, the image is not terribly detailed and hardly high-definition.
The security officer is not allowed to bring their own personal camera inside the room, and is not allowed to leave the room or open the door while a passenger is being scanned.
If a problem is spotted, the officer sends out an alert via two-way radio. Security officials will then pat down the passenger.
Officials said the biggest benefit of the body scanners is for people with artificial limbs, who are now able to pass more quickly through security.
The scanners will recognize an artificial limb, and as long as no other problems are found, the passenger will not have to endure a pat down.
Security officials said all five body scanners at Orlando International Airport would be operational before the end of the year.
Throughout the country, there are 373 scanners currently in operation at 68 airports.
By the end of the year, that number should rise to 450, with an additional 500 to be installed in 2011, including more that could come to Orlando.
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