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Body Scanners

Risking Health to Secure Airports

The Transportation Security Administration plans to install body scanners at nearly every airport security lane in the country by the end of 2014. Scientists have objected to one type of scanner because it uses X-rays which increase the risk of cancer. In an effort to detect explosives hidden under clothing, is the TSA jeopardizing passenger safety?

23 stories published since 2011

TSA Removes X-Ray Body Scanners from Airports

by Mark Schoofs,

The Inactivation of the Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

What Kind of Body Scanner Does Your Airport Have?

by Al Shaw and Michael Grabell,

TSA to Commission Independent Study of X-Ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

TSA X-Ray Body Scanners Sit Idle in Warehouse

by Michael Grabell,

TSA Removes X-Ray Body Scanners From Major Airports

by Michael Grabell,

Senators' Bill Calls for Independent Study of Airport Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

Drive-by Scanning: Officials Expand Use and Dose of Radiation for Security Screening

by Michael Grabell,

Bill Would Require Independent Study of X-Ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

Invasion of the Body Scanners: They're Spreading, But Are They Safe and Effective?

by Michael Grabell,

Scanning the Scanners: A Side-by-Side Comparison

by Lena V. Groeger,

Just How Good Are the TSA's Body Scanners?

by Michael Grabell,

Sweating Bullets: Body Scanners Can See Perspiration as a Potential Weapon

by Michael Grabell and Christian Salewski,

Coffee, Tea or Cancer? Almost Half of Americans Oppose X-ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

Body Scanners: The Story So Far

by ProPublica,

Senator Seeks Answers on X-Ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

TSA Puts Off Safety Study of X-ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

Europe Bans X-Ray Body Scanners Used at U.S. Airports

by Michael Grabell,

TSA to Conduct New Study of X-Ray Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

U.S. Government Glossed Over Cancer Concerns As It Rolled Out Airport X-Ray Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

New Army Study Says Radiation From Airport Body Scanners Is Minor

by Michael Grabell,

TSA Airport Scanners Wouldn’t Catch an Implant Bomber

by Michael Grabell,

Scientists Cast Doubt on TSA Tests of Full-Body Scanners

by Michael Grabell,

What We’re Watching

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Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

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