Liquid scanners can tell the difference between Pepsi and Coke
09 SEP 2009: Equipment for scanning liquids at airports has apparently
been available for two years but have not been utilized by authorities.
The scanners use an X-ray beam to distinguish between harmless liquids,
such as water, and potential explosives such as hydrogen peroxide. They
display the results as a colour image, allowing operators to ascertain
the components of the liquid.
David Learmount, operations and safety editor of Flight International magazine, claimed that he had seen this type of scanner in practice “and it could tell the difference between Pepsi and Coca-Cola.”
The UK Mail quoted Learmount as saying that while airports and airlines would happy to have equipment introduced that would speed people through airports, the government had “either lethargy or a distrust of the system” and is preventing new equipment being used.
Liquid restrictions have cost the aviation industry millions in extra security but airlines had mixed reactions. While some were positive, a British Airways spokeswoman suggested that unequal application of the restrictions could cause problems.
“It is important that security procedures are harmonised internationally to avoid confusion and make compliance easier,' she said.
“It would be unhelpful to maintain a liquid ban at some airports and not at others.”
In the meantime, trials of liquid scanning machines are taking place at, or planned for, various European and British locations.
If it’s not one thing...
Liquids may be on the way out but powder could be the next big “don’t pack that” item, as security personnel may stop passengers carrying suspicious looking powder. (!)
Using a new kind of explosive detection technology, the US Transportation Security Administration plans to screen certain powders coming through airport checkpoints by taking a sample of the powder and doing an on-the-spot test.
Though the agency would not say which types of powders may be subject to screening, the new step is expected to affect only a “small percentage” of passengers, according to a statement released yesterday. Common powders like most medications, infant applications and makeup will not be affected.
“While there is no specific threat at this time,” according to the statement, the agency is instituting the new screening measure “to enhance our existing explosives detection capabilities and further strengthen our layers of security.”
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