According to the Seattle Times, the scanners are supposed to be voluntary, but some concerns about privacy violations arise because the scanners take x-ray images. The scanners give a view of the body beneath the clothes, which is uncomfortable for many. Many passengers feel it is an invasion of privacy.
The security scanners use low levels of radiation to take an x-ray image. One potential concern is for pregnant women because low-level radiation is known to cause problems for unborn babies. Though the radiation levels are considered low enough for safety, long term effects are still unknown.
According to Reason.com, the scanners take an accurate picture of the body beneath the clothes. The article continues to state that the British banned the use of security scanners for children under the age of 18 because they did not want to violate child pornography laws.
One stated purpose of the scanners is to catch terrorists who hide plastic bombs rather than metal bombs. The scanners cannot reliably pick up plastic bombs when hidden in body cavities, which makes them less effective than claims suggest.
