A–Z Glossary

Ionizing radiation

High-energy radiation that can remove electrons from atoms and potentially damage DNA at sufficiently high doses.

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Is airport security safe for pregnant women

Is airport security safe for pregnant women

The short answer: yes, airport security is generally safe For most pregnant travelers, airport security screening is considered safe. The CDC states that older airport security machines, such as magnetometers, are not harmful to the fetus. The Transportation Security Administration also says that all screening equipment at the checkpoint is safe for all travelers, including […]

Is airport scanning harmful myth

Is airport scanning harmful myth

What airport scanners actually use Airport security systems are designed to detect concealed objects, not to image internal organs or expose passengers to the kinds of doses used in diagnostic medicine. The most common full-body scanners in use today are millimeter-wave scanners, which use non-ionizing radiation. That matters because non-ionizing radiation does not have enough […]

Can ultrasound harm the baby myth

Can ultrasound harm the baby myth

Why the myth persists The belief that ultrasound might harm a baby often comes from a very reasonable instinct: pregnancy is a time when people want to avoid unnecessary risk. Medical technology can feel mysterious, and the word “scan” may sound similar across different tests. Many people know that some imaging methods involve radiation, so […]