TSA Scanners Will Spark Debate Among Lawmakers

A new report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the safety of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) scanners will likely spark debate among some lawmakers who feel that important information was left out in the document.

According to ProPublica, lawmakers such as Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) requested that the TSA conduct a new independent health study for the report. However, no such tests were ever performed.

TSA machines emit a small dose of ionizing radiation - which has been found to cause cancer. Radiation experts say that there is a high likelihood that some people will develop cancer from the machines due to the volume of people who fly and are exposed to the screenings each year.

The report did note that a number of TSA screeners have yet to complete required radiation safety training, that there were inconsistencies in the manner in which the machines were tested for image quality and safety, and that each machine needed service more than once a month.

In January 2012, a group of six Democratic and Republican senators on the homeland security committee proposed a bill that would require the TSA to conduct an independent health study and to post signs about the radiation at the front of security checkpoints.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by radiation exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to learn about your options.

Photo courtesy of Pessimist via Wikimedia Commons.

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