[ RadSafe ] Infant goes through airport X-ray machine

[Sandy Perle]

Rick makes a good point. In this event, there should not have been 
this perception. Granted, these TSA workers are not trained health 
physicists, but they are trained to tell passengers that they can 
have their un-exposed film put through the carry-on baggage scanner 
due to the fact that the dose is so low, that it would not damage the 
film. They also are aware that personnel working around the X-ray 
unit do not require personnel monitoring devices. I don't think this 
is an issue of perception. I think it's a issue of individuals not 
thinking and over-reacting to any anomaly, which the TSA has 
perfected over the years (from someone who travels all the time and 
gets to witness their antics up close and personally)!

Perhaps the Grandmother caused a scene and they were just reacting. I 
don't know. However, if there is no effective training program, then 
these individuals who work around radiation generating machines or 
material, who work amongst the general public, and can have a 
significant effect on what the public thinks, then there needs to be 
a re-education of these workers, TSA or other wise. There is enough 
misconception and fear of radiation, and when this type of situation 
occurs, the public becomes even more fearful. This can not continue 
to happen. Someone out there needs to provide the education and 
whatever it takes to minimize these occurrences, where idiotic 
actions rule the day.

On 21 Dec 2006 at 8:49, Orthen, Rick wrote:

> Folks, it's perception (not reality) that rules, particularly in
> airports and other 9/11 arenas.  Have we forgotten about the farting
> lady who lit a match causing all sorts of scurrying-about?  When harm is
> perceived, you (TSA) had better respond accordingly (perceived harm =
> seek medical attention).  Simple as that.
> 
> Rick Orthen


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Sandy Perle 
Senior Vice President, Technical Operations 
Global Dosimetry Solutions, Inc. 
2652 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614

Tel: (949) 296-2306 / (888) 437-1714 Extension 2306 
Fax:(949) 296-1144

Global Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com/ 
Personal Website: http://sandy-travels.com/