Government

Journal Article: New Graphic TSA Scanners May Not Detect Powerful Explosive

A new peer-reviewed journal article by a pair of University of California-San Francisco researchers reveals that the TSA’s new x-ray body scanners may not be as safe as the government agency wants the public to think. In fact, the scanners might not even detect pancake-sized bombs containing PETN, the explosive used in the failed “underwear bomb” last Christmas.

According to Leon Kaufman and Joseph W. Carlson in the Journal of Transportation Security, the scanners could miss PETN bombs if they were taped to a person’s body in a flattened, rounded manner.

The researches write about their findings in the article “An evaluation of airport x-ray backscatter units based on image characteristics.”

From the introduction:

We show that the body is exposed throughout to the incident x-rays, and that although images can be made at the exposure levels claimed (under 100 nanoGrey per view), detection of contraband can be foiled in these systems. Because front and back views are obtained, low Z materials can only be reliable detected if they are packed outside the sides of the body or with hard edges, while high Z materials are well seen when placed in front or back of the body, but not to the sides. Even if exposure were to be increased significantly, normal anatomy would make a dangerous amount of plastic explosive with tapered edges difficult if not impossible to detect. [Emphasis added]

The article goes on to explain the pancake explosive theory:

It is very likely that a large (15–20 cm in diameter), irregularly-shaped, cm-thick pancake with beveled edges, taped to the abdomen, would be invisible to this technology, ironically, because of its large volume, since it is easily confused with normal anatomy. Thus, a third of a kilo of PETN, easily picked up in a competent pat down, would be missed by backscatter “high technology”. Forty grams of PETN, a purportedly dangerous amount, would fit in a 1.25 mm-thick pancake of the dimensions simulated here and be virtually invisible. Packed in a compact mode, say, a 1 cm×4 cm×5 cm brick, it would be detected.

The article, as is common in journals, is rather technical. But the conclusion remains: the “backscatter” technology has its limits and its loopholes, and may not be the savior of airport security.

The Washington Times goes as far as to call the new scanners a “fraud” in an editorial last week.

“Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano insists the public should trust her when she says the expensive airport scanners are safe and effective,” the editorial says. “Until now, there has been no way to verify this claim because the TSA and the scanner manufacturers have cloaked key operational data behind a veil of purported ‘national security.’”

It continues:

The researchers pointed out that the manufacturers of airport scanners positioned contraband like guns, knives and drugs in unnatural ways to conceal the limitations of their device. For example, the simulated drugs are always packed into tight rectangles that show up distinctly on the machine. TSA employees would have a far more difficult time spotting less tidy terrorists. “The eye is a good signal averager at certain spatial frequencies, but it is doubtful that an operator can be trained to detect these differences unless the material is hard-edged, not too large and regular shaped,” Mr. Kaufman and Mr. Carlson wrote.

The editors’ conclusion calls for the scanners to be scrapped:

In the end, this false sense of security creates a blindness that real terrorists will exploit. Continuing to rely on this fundamentally flawed technological crutch makes air travel more dangerous. The plug must be pulled on these invasive and ineffective machines.

Read the entire journal article.

(H/T: BoingBoing)

Comments (81)

1 2
  • TheRealElvis
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 10:05pm

    I’m waiting for the nudist sections on airplanes to be established and the pat downs to turn into messages, before I start flying again.

    Report Post »  
  • Mick
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 9:21pm

    Do you still feel safe?

    Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:59pm

    All we need is a terrorist packing PETN up their annal cavity and, Voila!, they will be doing cavity searches the air ports.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
  • sapper
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:58pm

    a few thoughts from an army trained explosive specialist. PETN is an explosive element, not the final product. The final product would be Semtex which is a plastique like C4. I could take a block of C4 and mold it around my leg, form it into underwear, roll it into thin sheet and put into the liner of my checked baggage with an electronic timer run on a digital watch…..etc.

    There are so many ways to get this stuff past both the scanners and the pat downs that it really renders them useless to a terrorist with any kind of imagination. But let’s try and remember that the sept 11 guys took over the plane with box cutters not military grade explosives. Why? Because blowing up the damn plane wasn’t the plan. They wanted to kill thousands…..not a couple of hundred. We had decades of hijackings and bombings prior to sept. 11 and it did pretty much zilch in creation of terror. Fly planes into buildings……now that’s a statement. Bottom line, they are not interested in bombing the planes so why look for that? Frankly, they could stick the box cutters up their ass and still get it on board the plane……unless TSA is now doing cavity searches. I will say again, anyone who is so damn cowardly that they don’t feel safe without some 8th grade dropout feeling your nads before getting on a plane should just stay home, take a train or boat and stop ruining life for the rest of us. I have absolutely no problem getting on a plane without ANYONE being checked at all. WHy? Because if ahab the arab tries taking over my plane with a box cutter……he’s going to see allah a lot sooner than he planned.

    Report Post »  
  • Carrie3570
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:58pm

    *bangs head on desk* DUH!!!!! This is not at all surprising to me. This is the government we are dealing with. Nothing is ever 100%, it’s always full of holes and wrigle room.

    Report Post » Carrie3570  
  • C.C.D.
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:56pm

    You know, I feel like I am living on a different planet. The folks running our country are suppose to be the smartest and of the brightest, “we actually call them leaders”. There are a couple of facts here. The war is not on the terrorist, the war is on Americans. The reason I say this is because of fact two, which is partly a question. Is every body out there on this planet that stupid to think that a 50 ton metal tube flying in the sky filled with jet fuel, with electricity running all through it, needs someone to bring something aboard to blow it up? I DON’T THINK SO! We seen it on 911, THE BOMB IS ALREADY ON BOARD!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:51pm

    But they do find the Junk in the trunk and provide entertainment for the bored TSA workers, how else are the high school drop outs going to make extra money? Besides, how is Jimmy Wah ever going to get those naked pictures of Walter Brennen. (reference Good Morning Vietnam)

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • dcwu
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:05pm

    Doggies catch em.

    Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:59pm

    Did the Smashing Pumpkins predict this administration? – “what do you want? I want to change
    And what do you got? you feel the same

    I suppose I’ll show all my cool and cold lack of control”

    WEIRD

    and

    “what do I get for my pain?
    I trade desires and a piece of game…
    Despite all my rage,
    I’m still just a rat in a cage..
    Someone will say what is lost can never be saved…”

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 9:05pm

      I think lady gaga said it best during her TSA pat down “You and I can make a Bad Romance.”
      OR
      Weird Al Yankovich “Just Eat It”

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • TheLascone
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:56pm

    Where ya goin with all this ?

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/23630227@N06/4314808830/

    Report Post » TheLascone  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:55pm

    Amen to the article. enough is a enough, I say there is a risk in flying and those that fly should accept the risk. Get rid of the machines and the sexual assult pat downs and put a disclaimer saying that there is a risk in flying and that each and every flyer must accept the risk to fly.

    http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:42pm

    Increasing radiation into the people will assist the population to have shorter lives.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • americansfightingforcommonsense
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:38pm

    George Soros had a lot of money invested into the comp sy that makes these scanners. He only sold that stock weeks before the went on line. Remember that there was no fore warning that they were coming. They just pu them in and started the oat downs if you refused.

    Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
  • aro5o75
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:37pm

    They’re not concerned about detecting explosives, they NEED to sell Soros’ scanners.

    Report Post » aro5o75  
  • civilunrestnow
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:37pm

    Let me clue you in…Improvised munitions and explosives can be made from a multitude of things that the TSA isn’t searching for. A few chemicals, a book of matches and a newspaper can be made into a powerful explosive that looks like just a folded newspaper. The paper is soaked and then dried, but will explode with enough force to bring down a plane. There are many other similar devices that can and will do the same thing. Until sniffer dogs and profiling become common place in airports, you are no safer today than you were on 9/10/01

    Report Post »  
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:51pm

      Yes, it really is nothing but a sick joke so they can pay off the big shots.

      Most people do not have any clue whatsoever as to what is actually available that can easily get past this joke of a security system.

      Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:11pm

      YES! Yes yes yes! Psychological profiling can’t be called racist since it is not looking at skin color, it looks at behavior. Dogs may give a false positive once in a while but overall they are highly efective.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:31pm

    This never ends. It just keeps spiraling society deeper and deeper into insanity.

    Cavity searches before leaving your house is the only way to ensure total safety. How long before there’s a Fed stationed at your front door?

    Idiotic…

    Report Post » N37BU6  
    • HumanDoing
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 9:21pm

      oh i wouldn’t worry bout that..probably be at the end of the road

      Report Post » HumanDoing  
  • wampanoag
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:30pm

    Do you know that the back scatter machines were never actually tested in real life conditions. They are simply a scam for the benefit of industry and lobbyists.

    Report Post »  
  • 1proudAmerican
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:30pm

    So now TSA will have MRI scanners to detect foreign bodies, or maybe cavity searches. It will get worse before it gets better.

    Report Post »  
  • americansfightingforcommonsense
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:30pm

    This is not about finding bombs. This is about top down pressure from the administration.

    Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 11:52pm

      “TSA and the scanner manufacturers have cloaked key operational data behind a veil of purported ‘national security.’”

      The purpose of the scanners is not for safety… if the feds were concerned about “safety” they would secure the border where the REAL threat is. Instead they go about with the express purpose of abusing American citizens and treating us all as criminals. I also raise question of what exactly these scanners are really collecting when it comes to bio identifiable data. See http://www.wellsphere.com/healthcare-industry-policy-article/palm-scanner-for-patient-identification/931292 . These scanners detect bio markers on the hand. Think larger…. and you have airport security scanners collecting individualized bio marker data in which people can be identifed everywhere they go. There is more to this technology than meets the eye.

      Report Post »  
  • PeterThePainter
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:30pm

    These scanners are only imposed to create fear and further Government intervention in our lives. The company who received the Government contract for these tax paid machines I’m sure can be researced back to the Liberals. Only in America…..fly out of another Country and see the security they have….so, these scanners are implemented to “save Americans”, but the flyers comming in from other Countries around the World….are free to enter….

    Report Post »  
  • americansfightingforcommonsense
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:28pm

    Not surprising.

    Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
    • sclibertymom
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 9:18pm

      Not only that but they were at a complete standstill on thanksgiving weekend so there could not be a boycott

      Report Post » sclibertymom  
  • ZaphodsPlanet
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:28pm

    So if you’re a radical muslim…. please make your crotch bombs larger than a pancake

    Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
  • Sledgehammer
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:26pm

    And this is a surprise to who? These jackels scammed us again!

    Report Post » Sledgehammer  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:37pm

      It is very likely that a large (15–20 cm in diameter), irregularly-shaped, cm-thick pancake with beveled edges, taped to the abdomen, would be invisible to this technology, ironically, because of its large volume, since it is easily confused with normal anatomy.

      ——————-

      So a fat jiggly belly and luvhandles can hide a PETN flapjack and NO one can even find that out ?
      Inspite of million dollar noodiescanners ?
      Well TSA you are in luck.
      Now your agents can run their hands through some rolls of fat …mmmmm

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • what4
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:45pm

      These multi million dollar machines were designed to find BOX CUTTERS and make fools out of everyone that goes through them!

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:20am

      I read an article in the beginning that said the scanners could not “detect’ PETN so what is new about this? Just hoping to ‘see’ it is not worth the scan.

      Report Post »  
  • Midwest Belle
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:25pm

    and why is this not surprising? WE the People have been objectrng to this scan for months, saying it wasn’t as safe as we were lead to believe. NOW the TSA is confirming this.

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:37pm

      It has NEVER been about keeping US safe…it is about CONTROL…pure and simple!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • ADMIRAL747
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:38pm

      You have to be kidding me. What will 13thGenerationAmerican and PatriotDaze hide in their cavity now?

      Report Post »  
    • APatriotFirst
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:51pm

      It amazes me that people will tell the world “how to” with news.
      Hey terrorists, the scanners don’t work, so bring your bombs on.

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:55pm

      Apparently, the only thing these scanners are really good at detecting is the loss of your rights as an American…….

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • Atheist
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:10pm

      There will always be something…

      The Atheist

      Atheist  
    • PatriotDaze
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:15pm

      Admiral…..you‘ve got a real personal thing going now don’t you. Why is that? It would seem that you have been rattled? Debate the issues and defend your position, if you’re able, or find a new screen name that doesnt’ diminish the rank of Admiral with comment you post.

      Report Post » PatriotDaze  
    • beekeeper
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:29pm

      And now that the weaknesses of this system have been exposed, we can expect it to be removed from the airports, right?

      No? What, they’re just going to make us endure the backscatter X-ray AND a pat down, I bet…

      Report Post » beekeeper  
    • sclibertymom
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 9:27pm

      Oh will we have them in Wal-Mart next? HLS is now installing monitors for pubic service in about 600 of it stores!! http://consumerist.com/2010/12/homeland-security-walmart-team-up-to-fight-terrorism-in-the-checkout-line.html
      http://www.prisonplanet.com/activist-calls-wal-mart-everyone-is-a-suspect-the-wal-mart-dhs-connection-video.html
      check this out

      Report Post » sclibertymom  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 10:15pm

      And now that every terrorist can have this information by reading the article – certainly won’t work now!!! http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 11:07pm

      Funny how this all gets confirmed AFTER the TSA or Homeland Security spends over a billion dollars to get these giant paper weights. Boy the former Homeland Security Secretary really sold us a bill of goods didn’t he. Wonder what he made off this deal from all his cronies in D.C.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • sailfished
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 11:08pm

      Our minds and our intellect is the most powerful renewable energy source on the planet,If you yearn for freedom then show some respect for your creator by harnessing your mind for good,Use it in a clear and respectful and coherent way.Take responsibility for the truth that surrounds us and confront the lies that distort our humanity. We are being mined by the ruling class just like any mineral that we extract from the earth, we are being starved through our fear of noncompliance. It is time to quit complying, it is time to shed the mass phsychology that is keeping us slaves

      Report Post » sailfished  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 1:49pm

      But you can be sure the Scanners are not safe
      http://www.helium.com/items/2037343-tsa-terahertz-scanners-tear-apart-human-dna

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
  • ADMIRAL747
    Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:21pm

    Look out 13THGENERATIONAMERICAN and PATRIOTDAZE, the anal cavity mystery compound has been compromised!

    Report Post »  
    • ADMIRAL747
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:35pm

      13TH and PATRIOT,
      Your vile comments against the Blaze commentators shall cease and desist!

      Report Post »  
    • broker0101
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 7:46pm

      Have either of those users even posted a comment on this story? Get a life, you Blaze-Obsessed Loser.

      broker0101  
    • ADMIRAL747
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:02pm

      you first liberal parasite!

      Report Post »  
    • PatriotDaze
      Posted on December 12, 2010 at 8:19pm

      Admiral. Really, my friend…..and you are my friend……You’re getting more irrational. To Broker’s point, I had not commented on this story AT ALL, until I read your cross dimensional rant.

      Report Post » PatriotDaze  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 12:40am

      Don’t be too upset by it, Admiral has made some rather vile comments, himself. (Project much, Admiral?)
      Apparently the left isn’t alone in thinking an intellectual conservative is an impossibility.

      Report Post »  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 12:42am

      Above is @PatriotDaze

      Report Post »  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 12:36am

      And what vile comments would those be??

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 12:34pm

      I don’t know what all this is about but I can guess. The trolls are back and the Admiral want them to leave. Is this a good guess or not?

      Report Post »  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 13, 2010 at 6:56pm

      @Polwatcher–
      13th and Broker, yes. But leaving them out, the most likely “troll” is Admiral. He was the head cheerleader for mosque-burning a few weeks back, something no principled Liberty-lover could ever support.

      Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love