Pilots boycott full-body scanners over health fears
by Kate Schneider
a.. Pilots boycott body scanners
b.. APA fears scanner cancer risk
c.. Travellers face “invasive” pat-downs
THE world’s largest pilots association has boycotted full-body scanners
over health risks but passengers wishing to avoid the devices may instead
be faced with “invasive” pat-down searches.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) made the recommendation in a recent
letter to its members, advising pilots to submit to the searches instead
of facing the extra radiation from the scanners.
The Australian and International Pilots Association says it is also
considering the issue raised by the APA but would not comment as to
whether it recommends Australian pilots take the same action.
The warning highlights the difficult dilemma travellers and airline staff
face at some airports around the world. If they opt not to go through the
scanners, they are instead subjected to a new pat-down technique – which
has been likened to “foreplay”.
Full-body scanners are becoming harder to avoid as they are used in an
increasing number of countries around the world, for example there are 341
devices used at 67 US airports.
The devices are planned to be rolled out across Australia next year.
David Bates, president of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents
American Airlines, is leading the charge to boycott the scanners.
“It is important to note that there are “backscatter” AIT devices now
Being deployed that produce ionizing radiation, which could be harmful to your health,” Mr Bates said.
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