Body Scanning Technologies

Since the early 2000s Body Scanners – also known as Whole Body Imaging or Advanced Imaging Technology – have been used at security checkpoints to screen people for possession of illegal objects, such as weapons and explosives. There are two common technologies used for body imaging, the Millimeter Wave Scanner and Backscatter X-ray. Despite technical differences, all body scanning technologies can detect metallic objects, plastic and ceramic weapons, and other threats hidden underneath clothing in a matter of seconds without the need of a pat down or strip search. These units are being deployed in hundreds of airports around the world, including Canada, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

There is currently much debate on the use of this technology because it has the potential to allow screeners to gain access to medical information that is otherwise confidential. Privacy advocates believe that full body scans are too invasive because they allow the screeners to see the surface of skin underneath clothing, prosthetics and other medical equipment, such as colostomy bags. However, measures are being taken to ensure anonymity , such as the blurring of facial features, off location screeners and not allowing the images to be stored.

Key Applications:

• Security Screening
• 3D physical measurement of body shape

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