Topic: X Ray Radiation

The discussion continues with Senator Susan Collins' call for independent health studies on TSA x-ray scanners following reports of miscarriages. They also deconstruct the "SPOT" (Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques) program, which the GAO found to be scientifically unvalidated and a failure in identifying threats.

The TSA is re-testing full-body x-ray scanners after admitting to "bookkeeping errors" regarding radiation levels. Reports suggest the actual radiation exposure could be ten times higher than previously claimed. Meanwhile, TSA agents are moving toward unionization, though they will lack collective bargaining rights.

The safety of TSA full-body scanners is questioned following reports in the Seattle Times and New York Times regarding radiation exposure and equipment malfunctions. John C. Dvorak describes his experience at the Las Vegas airport, observing TSA agents standing in close proximity to active scanners for extended periods. The hosts express concern over the long-term health effects of "spurious radiation" on both passengers and security personnel.

The TSA is accused of executing a strategic PR campaign during Thanksgiving by speeding up security lines to avoid predicted protests. Adam Curry recounts his attempt to join a White House telephone press conference hosted by TSA Administrator John Pistole. Curry intended to ask about radiation testing standards and why agents are forbidden from wearing dosimeters, but he was disconnected shortly after identifying himself.

The safety of TSA scanners is questioned, noting that while institutions like Johns Hopkins approve certain radiation standards, the specific machines in airports have not been independently tested. An anecdote describes how TSA agents are reportedly forbidden from wearing dosimeters, which are standard for medical professionals working with X-rays. The hosts suggest this policy prevents the collection of data regarding actual radiation exposure levels.

Activists are organizing a National Opt-Out Day for November 24th to protest TSA body scanners. Concerns from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) regarding the safety of backscatter X-ray radiation are discussed, alongside suggestions for passengers to wear dosimeters to measure exposure.

Physicists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) issued a memo questioning the safety of X-ray backscatter technology, noting that the energy is concentrated on the skin. The hosts report that the TSA has banned its own employees from wearing dosimeters to measure radiation exposure, allegedly to prevent public alarm. This lack of transparency regarding radiation levels is presented as a significant health scandal for both workers and travelers.

Fox News reports on the use of Z-Backscatter vans by law enforcement and private companies to x-ray vehicles and cargo in public spaces. The hosts express concern over the health risks of "human subjects" being irradiated without consent and the potential for illegal searches of private property. They compare the lack of outcry over these vans to the public backlash against Google Street View cars.

The Weather Channel featured a segment with Al Roker and former FAA administrator Mary Schiavo discussing airport security. Schiavo claimed body scanners speed up the process while acknowledging they may penetrate skin tissue, suggesting children and pregnant women should opt for pat-downs instead. The hosts criticize the segment as government propaganda and warn of potential health risks from X-ray exposure.

The TSA is deploying 14 backscatter x-ray body scanners at SeaTac Airport as part of a nationwide rollout of 450 machines. Travelers are encouraged to "opt out" of the scans in favor of physical pat-downs to avoid potential radiation exposure. Concerns are raised regarding the long-term health effects on both passengers and TSA employees.

Adam Curry describes a confrontation with TSA agents at LAX while attempting to fly to Amsterdam. Curry opted out of the full-body x-ray scanner due to health concerns, triggering a "manual pat down" and a swab for explosives. He critiques the new transparency of the scanner images, noting that they now display more anatomical detail than previous blurred versions.

The hosts discuss a security breach at LAX caused by a bottle of liquid medication and the subsequent promotion of full-body x-ray scanners. They raise concerns about the radiation exposure for both passengers and TSA agents, predicting future class-action lawsuits. Additionally, they mention Janet Napolitano's plan to deploy drones along the U.S. border, which they view as a precursor to armed domestic surveillance.