Are Airport Security Scanners Safe - Essay Example

Schauer asserted that “critics of security screening acknowledge that doses from backscatter X-ray systems are very low and safe for an individual” (Radiological Society of North America par. 5). However, it is commendable that the discourse acknowledged that both radiological experts agree that “the scanners using millimeter wave technology should be considered as a first option, since they are similar in cost and functionality to the backscatter machines, but do not expose the passenger to ionizing radiation” (Radiological Society of North America par. 8). The information and the statements issued by these professionals indicate that there are still eminent risks of being exposed to the backscatter machines despite the published announcement that the risks are very minimal.

The supporting report from other websites and scientific organizations confirm that there are still risks involved despite the apparent very low doses that humans could be exposed. The article, therefore, contained strengths in providing balanced information from the assertions made by both Brenner and Schauer. Likewise, one noted that the article also appropriately provided the accurate links to the discourses written by both Brenner and Schauer sourced from the monthly journal, Radiology: where Brenner’s article could be viewed using this link: http://radiology.rsna.org/content/259/1/6.full?sid=41244cae-eb6e-43d9-bd95-1b2de2f6f4d8; and Schauer’s article could be validated using this link: http://radiology.rsna.org/content/259/1/12.full?sid=41244cae-eb6e-43d9-bd95-1b2de2f6f4d8.

Since these articles were published more recently in April 2011 with authors who are authoritative and experts in their respective fields of endeavor, one could conclude that the information disclosed is reliable and credible.