Sacramento International Airport today unveiled five new "non-intrusive" body image scanner machines at Terminal B. Three more will be in operation at Terminal A by the end of the month, federal Transportation Security Administration officials said.
The machines can detect hidden non-metallic objects under a person's clothes. The new machines, however, do not create viewable images of a person's body, unlike controversial body scanners federal officials installed at some airports last year.
The software in the scanners is being replaced with new technology, TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said. "The TSA has worked hard to address privacy concerns. This is more efficient for us, and the process is speedier for passengers.
The new scanners include a monitor that shows a generic outline of a human body. Hidden items appear as yellow boxes on the screen. Unlike previously, where a TSA agent viewed the image in a separate room, the new screens are next to the scanner, allowing passengers to see the image as well.
The scanners emit radiation, which has caused concern among some passengers. Federal officials counter the radiation amounts are much smaller than people are exposed to with cell phone calls or flying in planes.
Officials said all passengers will be asked to go through the scanner. Those who refuse will be asked to go through a metal detector, then will be required to undergo a pat-down search.
Several passengers interviewed Thursday morning at Sacramento airport express little concern about the machines.
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