Saturday, January 28, 2017

Security Screening

suitcase  screening  device (web picture)

People and their luggage get scanned  at airports, major bus terminals / train stations, malls, courthouses, and other public facilities  (at least this is the case in Israel) - the purpose of that being to detect concealed metallic or non-metallic security threats (knives,weapons,explosives, certain liquids/ gels/ powders/ plastics).

body screening (web picture)

handheld scanner (web picture)

There's little accurate information as to the potential health effects of these screening systems. It is generally argued that there isn't much risk, if at all, but I personally believe there is. It's not a one-time thing, and radiation accumulates. The more you go through airports and all the other places where you get screened, the more radiation you absorb.

They say the detection  is only about 50 percent successful, so maybe it's not worth the trouble. Unfortunately, it has to be done. We live in a nightmarish world in which terrorism reigns and governments are helpless against it. Prevention through detection is our main real hope.

As for success, well, we invest  millions in things that we know in advance that there will be very little success about them, and yet we do it, we have to do it. For example, all those reabilitation centers for drug and alcohol addicts, or for released jail prisoners. Most of these people return to their old habits and pose a risk both to themselves and to society. Nobody will dare suggest to give in and close the above mentioned centers. 


22 comments:

  1. I am glad that I am happy living the simple life of a farmer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vera,

    I suppose you sometimes have to leave the farm in south of France to go visit your family in England. So how do you get there, by plane, by ferry? Don't you and your luggage get checked?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've wondered that myself. It's been a long time since I flew, but I know many who fly on a regular basis. And what about the screeners--are they subjected to trace amounts all day long on the job? But what are we to do?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lillian Robinson,

    I was once at our central Mail Sorting Screening facility, and saw the screeners wearing tags that were supposed to alert them in case of too much radiation; I suppose all the security screeners are equipped with some sort of warning tags.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very interesting read, Duta. It makes you wonder about those that have to travel all the time. For me, that's one of the worst parts about flying.

    I always delight in reading your posts.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  6. Red Rose Alley,

    Thanks Sheri.
    Yes, the screening is one of the hazzards of our times.




    ReplyDelete
  7. Jenn Jilks,

    I'm afraid the word 'tough' is a gentle one to describe the world we live in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't travel, so I never thought about this. Thank you so much for this fascinating and important information, Duta.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linda,

    If you don't travel,then your chances are you'll live a long, long life. I say it on the basis of what I see around me. Many of the people in advanced ages that I know have rarely left their town or country.And, believe me, they haven't missed much.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've never liked flying but even more so with the added screening and fear of terrorism. The world has become a very scary place But for the grace of God. Happy Friday, Duta. Stay safe and have an amazing day.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nikki (Sarah),

    Well, with us it's not only airports, but also major facilities such as the bus terminal in Tel- Aviv. The average person flies about twice a year, but might go a lot through all other kinds of facilites where screening is performed.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I hardly ever go anywhere that has screening. I see your concern though if one travels a lot. My daughter does and I want her to be safe.....whichever way they need to do. The world is changing

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kim @stuff..,

    All we can do is, at least, to be aware of the things going on around us, and see if we caould do something to minimize risks.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I often think/worry about radiation also. But there are so many things like phalates in plastic and too many things to count that affect our daily lives. Yikes! It is scary.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sharon Wagner,

    'phalates' - you mean the chemicals that soften plastics? Oh, well, they are all around us, and are of great concern. Both adults and children are exposed to these dangerous chemicals added to plastics.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I suppose the answer is to not travel!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jenn Jilks,

    People will find this suggestion as unacceptable. To reduce travel - is a possibility.

    ReplyDelete
  18. It is sad and troubling that our world has come to this. You mention that it may only be 50% successful so maybe not worth it. But say in that 50% that is successful they were able to prevent one person that would have wiped out a train station and killed hundreds. That would make the ratio quite a bit higher as you never know of that 50% that is successful how many people would have been killed.

    As for the rehab centers for prisoners, I do believe that the money there is well spent, but it irks me to no end to see my tax dollars being used to provide excellent medical care to prisoners when Veterans and Senior Citizens are treated so horribly by the medical system set up for them.

    My mom who is 80 now had to drive herself to her appointments, rain or shine. Many times my sister and I will take time off work to take her. Prisoners on the other hand get escorted to their appointments and hospitals by 2 or 3 prison guards in a prison vehicle. The guards stay with the prisoner 24/7 and are usually being paid overtime pay which is much greater than their regular pay. Prisoners have their own private rooms...I could go on and on with the perks but it's time to go to work. Thanks for the great post as always DUTA!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Alicia,

    Kudos to your Mom that she's able to drive herself to appointments! However, if these are medical appointments ,she should definitely be accompanied by someone. Even a young person should not go alone to a medical appointment.

    I quite agree with your view on the medical care provided to prisoners as opposed to that given to veterans and seniors.
    Thanks for your as usual interesting and elaborate comment.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I recently served on Jury Duty and had to go through one of those scanning machines. Because the weather was cold I and almost every other woman going into the courthouse, was wearing knee high boots. We actually had to remove them & place them in a bin with our purse and cell phone and they went through separately and then we went throw walking. Chaos at the other end where everyone was trying to gather their possessions and put their boots, belts and other items back on. The 2nd day one of my boots was lost in the chaos and I thought I was going to have to go through the day with just one boot!!! Luckily it was found, but I didn't wear boots the rest of the time, just sneakers, which did not have to be removed.

    It is a hassle, I agree, but I also agree that in this day in time, we have to take every precaution, no matter how silly or expensive or time consuming it may be. I believe the the quote, "Better Safe, than Sorry".

    ReplyDelete
  21. Alicia,

    I think that checking people at the entrance of courthouses started long before the screening for terrorism. That was to avoid people with evil intentions and weapons to enter the court. The courthouse is a place of explosive situations.

    ReplyDelete