ORLANDO, Fla. — Not only can the new full body scanners at Orlando International Airport leave you feeling exposed, a new study has some saying the exposure to radiation could make people sick. One of the controversial scanners went online at Orlando International Airport last week.
FROM THE TSA: Radiation Risk With Full Body Scanners
Now, scientists at Johns Hopkins University say, though the risk is low, passengers who go through the x-ray machines could get skin cancer.
"I don't want to do it again. It's intrusive, I felt," traveler Jeannette Ryan told WFTV.
The Johns Hopkins University study, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, raises safety concerns.
Travelers in Central Florida know they have to protect themselves from the effects of the sun, but they never thought they would have to worry about skin cancer at the airport.
Unlike other x-ray machines, doctors say most of the radiation is concentrated on the skin and underlying tissue. It's a design that enables the machines to see what's hiding under clothing. It's a technique that some doctors say could increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly with frequent fliers.
"I would prefer to be patted down," Ryan said.
A spokesperson with Johns Hopkins University told WFTV Monday their report only states the facts and does not offer up conclusions on the threat of skin cancer. However, one Johns Hopkins doctor is quoted as saying, "Statistically, someone is going to get skin cancer from these x-rays."
Another researcher said a type of cancer called basal cell carcinoma is the most likely concern, but a Food and Drug Administration review found the scanners pose no health threat.
For Ryan, that's not enough.
"My concern was some sort of cancer risk, especially with the children. So whether it's skin cancer of any other form, I don't think you want to subject your kids to that," he said.
The scientists recommend travelers opt for a manual pat down by a Transportation Security Administration agent instead of going through the machines.
There is a growing backlash, nationwide, because of the new full body scanners. A new Internet campaign is urging passengers to refuse the screenings.
Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano responded saying, if people don't like the new security measures, they don't have to fly.
"If they want to travel in some, by some other means, of course, that's their right," Napolitano said.
Unions representing some airline pilots have told their members not to use the scanners because they're intrusive and could be dangerous.
WFTV
