Here is a letter from radiation experts to John Holdren, Obama's assistant in science and technology, on their concern over the safety of the new airport scanners in use throughout US airports and courthouses (not sure in other countries?). These new scanners are apparently delivering very strong exposure to the skin and the tissue immediately underlying the skin:
An activist has designated Nov 24 (the US holiday when people travel to have Thanksgiving dinner with family) as national opt-out day on these scanners, mostly on the grounds that it invades privacy (see photos in this link):
National Opt-Out Day Called Against Invasive Body Scanners
My advice is to refuse going through the scanners, and request a manual pat down, but the new pat down rules apparently is more invasive (using open hand as opposed to back of hand, as previously done). Different airports may still use different practices...
I also encourage folks to print out multiple copies of the scientists' letter, bring it with you to the airport, and distribute it among people in the cue for the security check (and ask them to pass it on down the cue when they're finished reading). You could ask as many people as possible to refuse the scanner, which could send a stronger message to the airport authorities.
Maggie
No comments:
Post a Comment