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.
