Airport Scanners: When Will Enough Be Enough?

It's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the possible pitfalls and dangers of the new airport scanners being installed across the country. Thus far, the news isn't good: for the last several days, MSNBC has highlighted the

to the full-body scan. What was once a simple, not-too-invasive pat down has transformed into an uncomfortable frisking that has angered many fliers. The latest news comes from Gizmodo, who reports that one hundred body scan images

. This news comes after federal agencies admitted to

body scan images, which they repeatedly said they would never do. Are you feeling violated yet? You should. Regardless of your level of comfort with the scanner, two points remain clear. First, the Transportation Security Administration has not been entirely forthcoming when it comes to the way it handles “national security.” Second, this leak only happened because the images were recorded – if the feds had kept their end of the bargain, there wouldn't be any images to leak. But there's a bigger problem brewing with these scanners, one that the TSA – and few others – are eager to talk about: safety. There is

that these scanners are not nearly as safe as the TSA claims. Any government agency can argue that security trumps privacy in all but the rarest of circumstances. Consumers may disagree, but it's still an argument to be made. However, it would be very hard for anyone to say that it's okay to risk our health – and expose millions of flier s to unnecessary levels of radiation – in the name of ensuring that the plane is safe. Considering that the airport scanners have not been thoroughly tested yet (it could take several years for the negative side effects to appear), and considering how the TSA's last major claim turned out, it's easy to see why consumers would doubt their safety. Still, the majority of the airport scanner and airport security complaints revolve around the fear that someone's privacy has been violated. Only recently have the pat downs caused a problem, mostly because of the new, ultra-invasive pat down procedures. What's troubling is that, in addition to refuting consumer complaints with a stern, “It's all about security”

from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, the TSA seems reluctant to explore other alternatives. And until an alternative is put into place, the experience of flying will only get worse. Sadly, that's the best-case scenario: a lousy flying experience. In the worst-case scenario, these airport scanners could leave many fliers with an increased risk for cancer, followed by a weak apology from the agency that insisted these scanners were safe.