Are Airport Metal Detectors Safe During Pregnancy? Dispelling Myths and Sharing Facts

Published: 21 Oct 2024

As a security officer, I have listened to many expecting women raise questions: Are airport metal detectors safe during pregnancy? This happens mostly because, during pregnancy, women become very sensitive and cautious. They raise queries related to risks from radiation or other dangers to the unborn child from full-body scanners and metal detectors. The good news is that most of these concerns result from misunderstandings and misconceptions.

Moreover, airport scanners use a non-ionizing radiation form that is far less powerful than that employed in medical X-rays. In fact, these scanners are safe for everyone, including pregnant women. In this post, I will clear all misconceptions and list guidelines from experts to make you feel safe and secure when traveling.

Table of Content

Understanding How Metal Detectors Function
Common Concerns and Misconceptions About Metal Detectors and Pregnancy
Expert Insights and Safety Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final words

Understanding How Metal Detectors Function

Airport metal detectors are widely used to detect metallic objects that could pose a security risk. They use low-intensity magnetic fields to detect metal. The radiation or energy emitted by these devices is not harmful to the passengers. In fact, the magnetic fields of some common household items like refrigerators are stronger than those generated by airport metal detectors.

There are two primary types of metal detectors:

Walk-through metal detectors: These devices produce a low-energy electromagnetic field to detect metallic objects on the surface of the body.
Handheld wands: These detectors are portable versions that security personnel use to scan specific areas of a person’s body.

Due to technological advancement, many airports have shifted to Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which uses millimeter-wave technology to detect threats without physical contact. This technology emits low-energy radio waves, similar to those used in cellphones, and is widely regarded as safe for all travelers, including pregnant women

Common Concerns and Misconceptions About Metal Detectors and Pregnancy

One of the most common concerns is that the radiation of metal detectors or full-body scanners might harm a developing baby. However, these concerns are largely based on outdated information or misunderstandings.

Radiation Exposure: Pregnant women often worry about radiation from airport scanners. However, modern millimeter-wave scanners used in airports today emit non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to damage cells or DNA. This type of radiation does not pose any danger to anybody.
Old Backscatter X-ray Machines: Similarly, some people think that the backscatter X-ray machines are still in use. However, these devices were replaced in 2013 by safer millimeter-wave and magnetometer technologies to overcome the safety and privacy concerns of the passengers.
Can Metal Detectors See the Baby?: Another misconception is that scanners can somehow “see” the baby or affect its development. In reality, scanners are designed to detect metal objects only and are completely safe for a developing fetus.
Pat-Down Option: For pregnant women who still feel uneasy about going through a full-body scanner, there’s always the option to request a manual pat-down by security personnel, which provides an alternative to passing through the scanner

Expert Insights and Safety Guidelines

The experts are of the opinion that airport metal detectors are safe for everyone, including pregnant women. Here are some insights from health professionals and agencies:

According to the Health Physics Society and many OB-GYNs, the low-level radiation emitted by airport scanners and metal detectors is far below harmful levels
The waves used in these devices are non-ionizing, meaning they don’t have enough energy to affect cells or DNA.
Reputable medical sources like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and EPA confirm that the radiation from these devices is extremely low, even lower than what you would receive during a typical flight. This means there is no risk to you or your developing baby

So whether you are in the first, second, or third trimester, you can go through airport scanners without worrying about health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some of the most common questions pregnant women have about airport metal detectors and scanners are as follows:

Can airport scanners detect pregnancy?

No, airport scanners are designed to detect objects like metal or concealed items. They cannot penetrate deep to see or detect your baby, so there is no privacy concern.

Is it safe to use handheld metal detectors during pregnancy?

Yes, handheld detectors also emit low-intensity waves that pose no harm to you or your baby. These are just as safe as walk-through metal detectors.

Can radiation from airport security harm my baby?

Nonetheless, the radiation of these machines is negligible in terms of danger to your baby, in fact, it is several times less. In scanners that use X-rays themselves, the dose is so small that all stakeholders consider it to be safe.

What should I do if I’m uncomfortable with airport scanners?

If you feel uneasy, you can always ask for a manual pat-down search. Airport security is trained to accommodate such requests. But if want to skip the screening process altogether, they will not accommodate you.

Should I fly When Expecting?

Yes, most pregnant women are allowed to fly, which is especially comfortable during the second trimester. But always seek the advice of your physician if you are going on a flight, especially if you are in your third trimester or having a complicated pregnancy. In addition, most airlines let you travel right up to 36 weeks for a single pregnancy, though after 28 weeks, a doctor’s note may be used. Thus, it is recommended to consult both, your doctor and the airline employees, to make sure you can fly.

Will I have to pick up my heavy bags for screening?

Yes, check-in at an airport and you will have to take your bags on the conveyer belt for security check. However, if heavy items have to be lifted, this may be a problem when pregnant, then ask TSA staff or airport personnel. They are friendly and most of the time available to help passengers with mobility difficulties. So do not be embarrassed to ask for assistance in order not to exert undue pressure on yourself.

Do I have to take my shoes off at the checkpoint?

Yes, if the security officer asks to take off your shoes at security checkpoints, you have to take them off. But you are not asked every time to take off your shoes. It happens mostly if the soul of your shoes is thicker or you have put on long shoes. The basic reason behind this is to avoid concealment in the shoes and ensure your security.

Is my baby going to be ZAPPED by radiation if I walk through an airport screening machine?

No, your baby will not be affected by the radiation that comes with airport screening machines. Today’s millimeter-wave scanners utilized in airports are not dangerous, the effect is not damaging to pregnant women. Furthermore, the backscatter X-ray machines which can hardly be found at airports nowadays were also relatively safe as they discharged very little radiation.

Final words

By now, you should feel confident that airport metal detectors and scanners are safe during pregnancy. These devices use non-ionizing radiation, which is far too weak to affect you or your baby. Moreover, the experts are unanimous: the health risks are incredibly low, even in older X-ray machines, which are no longer commonly used.

If you still feel uncomfortable, remember that you always have options, such as requesting a pat-down. So stay informed and be stress-free!