X-ray control of borders and of internal security.
OBJECTIVE
Security control with X-rays means exposure to ionising radiation and creates the possibility of access to personal privacy. Internal security concerns the police and secret services. The used technologies and their possibilities are described.


METHODS
Observations and additional information have been collected. The exposure dose has been measured.


RESULTS
Several technical set ups are in use: Transmission imaging (fluoroscopy), backscatter imaging, computed tomography and several combinations. The search of persons concerns the interior of the human body, its surface and the clothing together with the luggage. One looks for weapons, explosives and drugs. The exposure dose is low compared to the exposure dose by a flight or due to a holiday in a country with higher environmental radiation by external sources like Finland.


CONCLUSIONS
In the future, the security control will increase. Using X-rays creates the possibility to inspect privacy.
Dpt. of Forensic Radiology, Institut Institute for Legal Medicine of the University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
H
H
Vogel
D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012637:Security Measures / Q000639:trends*; D023481:Terrorism; D014195:Travel; D054041:Weapons; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D014965:X-Rays