Topic: Terahertz

The Los Angeles County Metro is the first public transit system in the U.S. to deploy Thruvision, a passive screening technology that scans commuters for weapons and explosives. The system uses terahertz waves to see through clothing without exposing individuals to radiation. Concerns are raised regarding the potential health effects of terahertz frequencies and the invasive nature of the low-resolution "naked" body scans.

New York City police are testing terahertz imaging scanners to detect concealed weapons on citizens without their knowledge. Simultaneously, downtown Miami hosted joint military and police drills involving Blackhawk helicopters firing machine gun blanks over urban areas, which officials described as preparation for overseas deployments.

The NYPD is developing terahertz imaging technology to detect concealed weapons from a distance of up to 80 feet. While the department claims it is safe, the hosts cite an MIT Technology Review article suggesting terahertz waves can "tear apart DNA." They argue the technology represents a significant violation of the Fourth Amendment and potential health risk.

Research from Los Alamos National Laboratory suggests that terahertz radiation used in airport scanners may cause damage to human DNA. The hosts highlight the lack of long-term health studies on millimeter-wave technology and the difficulty in accessing ANSI safety standards. They note that existing safety guidelines often focus on the operators of the machinery rather than the passengers being scanned.