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Answer to Question #6518 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Security Screening — Airport Screening

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
What dose will a TLD badge report when scanned through an airport x-ray screening system for "carry-on items," as opposed to scanners for checked-in luggage?

A
Thank you for your question. For many TLD badges, the lower limit of detection is 10 mrem (mrem is a unit of effective radiation dose). So, in both cases, the reading you would get back would be M for minimal or zero dose.

If the TLD being used is more sensitive and would read down to 1 mrem, then in either case the dose reported would be less than about 2 mrem.

The plane flight would add about another 5 mrem depending on distance flown and cruising altitude.

Kelly Classic
Certified Medical Health Physicist

 

Answer posted on 24 May 2007. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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