Is airport full body scan safe for pregnant women?

[meg8017]

I googled, but was unable to find an answer. I'm flying out of Logan, into MCO. I don't think either airport has one yet, but that's doesn't mean they may not get one before the end of the month. I am 5 months pregnant so I am nervous about this. I wouldn't not have an x-ray done, is this the same?
thanks for any info!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The system is completely safe for pregenant woman, here are how they work:

How do these scanners work?

There are two types of device which offer full-body scans. Millimeter wave scanners use extremely high frequency radio waves which are processed by a computer to produce a detailed 3D image of air passengers. Backscatter scanners use high energy rays that -- unlike X-rays which penetrate objects -- scatter when they hit materials, allowing computers to render a detailed image and detect substances such as explosives and plastic weapons. Both scanners, unlike conventional X-rays, can strip away layers of clothing, accurately mapping the contours of the body, any prosthetics beneath the skin, as well as clothing and metallic and non-metallic objects.

 

[ironz]

I'm going to disagree, as a radiologist. One of the types of scans (and I'm currently looking to see which, but I think the backscatter) does have a tiny amount of radiation with it. It's about 1/1000 of what you would get from a chest xray, if I recall correctly, so really not much. You get a small amount of radiation exposure just from the flight itself.

BUT...if I were pregnant, I would look for an option (pat-down, if they insist, but would prefer just the regular metal detector) that doesn't include either one of these. Not sure if enough research has been done on either form of the scans and effects on the fetus.
I personally would refuse the scan if I were pregnant.


OK...looked it up. The Backscatter machines are the ones with a tiny amount of radiation. It is a very, very small amount and likely wouldn't do damage. But still, in my opinion, you want to do everything possible to NOT have any more radiation exposure than is absolutely necessary when you are pregnant. But you can check with your OB to see what he/she has to say about it.

 

[ironz]

From the American College of Radiology:

http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMen...thCareNews/More/AirportWholeBodyScanners.aspx


Some say it is ok. Some (and I would include myself), still would like to go by "ALARA", meaning the amount of radiation people are exposed to is "As Low As Realistically Achievable."

Though, if the alternative is a pat-down, one might find that equally or more intrusive.

But now you have some info to make an informed decision.

By the way...this refers to the Backscatter imagers. The Millimeter wave imagers and the Metal Detectors do not use radiation.

 

[meg8017]

wow, ironz thank you so much, that's very helpful!! I am a nervous pregnant person (with reason), so it wouldn't be worth any risk to me as much as I would hate a pat down!! Hopefully it won't be an issue but if it is I will definitely ask for an alternative. Really, thanks again.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Probably safer than a doppler, traditional ultrasound device or continuous monitoring during labor.



I would advise to seek an alternative regardless.

 

[ironz]

Doppler and ultrasound do NOT use radiation, but rather sound waves.

 

[alaneatstictacs]

Doppler and ultrasound do NOT use radiation, but rather sound waves.

Ultrasounds are not as safe as people think. I have kids but NEVER had an ultrasound with them. My doc at the time only prescribed them for high risk patients saying there is no good reason for all mothers to have them. Additionally, he was concerned about a possible autism link.

 

[Red_Rider]

I can totally understand your concerns. I know that Logan is expected to be on the list of airports to buy these scanners, however, it is a big undertaking to swap out the magnetometer for the full body scanner. As you say you are flying out in the next couple of weeks, you shouldn't have any issues as they probably won't be installed that soon.

 

[WDWboy]

http://www.babycenter.com/404_will-the-radiation-im-exposed-to-on-an-airplane-flight-harm_1351065.bc