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Published: December 14 2011

Broward County Commissioners stopped short of asking for an immediate ban on TSA body scanners at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport, but they have asked that the issue of radiation exposure be studied further and that the Transportation Security Administration render an opinion on the safety of the scanners.

The Commission initially discussed asking for a ban on the backscatter X-ray machines after these same scanners were banned in Europe. The European Commission banned these full body X-ray scanners citing health and safety concerns.

"I would just tell you that security in this country is an evolving kind of thing, and as they get better at it we are catching more people. That is a really good thing. But nevertheless, I brought this issue forward because what happened in Europe I don't think we should take lightly," said Mayor John Rodstrom, who flies frequently for business and chooses a pat down search versus a body scan. "I think the public needs to know they have options and that we're looking out for them."

Commissioners voted 5-4 in favor of directing the county Aviation Director to ask the TSA to review the European findings that led to the ban and render a decision on their findings; provide a definition for a frequent traveler and determine if these scanners pose a health risk to people who fly often; if it is determined that frequent travelers face added health risks then place signs at the airport to inform the public; and if it is found that there is a health risk to the general public overall, stop the use of the scanners altogether.

Commissioner Ilene Lieberman said further study was necessary to ensure public safety. "Asbestos was once used in every house, Saccharin was once on the market, women drank alcohol when they were pregnant and people smoked cigarettes without knowing the health risks. That's why I've made this motion," said Lieberman.

Tim Lewis, TSA Federal Safety Director at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International and Key West airports told Commissioners that the scanners used at the airport have been evaluated by the FDA, National Institute of Science and Technology and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and each found that the radiation dosages fall way below national safety standards.

"Each unit undergoes system inspection and radiation survey by the manufacturer and then receives the same test every six months," said Lewis. He also said that each full body scanner scan produces the same amount of radiation equivalent to what a person receives in about two minutes of air travel at altitude.

"We should have some confidence with our United States FDA and our Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We have a large population of people who have implanted hips and other medical devices who appreciate the convenience of these scanners. We get a lot more radiation from using our cell phone every day or sitting in front of our desk at a computer," said Commissioner Barbara Sharief.

Commissioners noted that any passenger can opt out of a full body scan and request a pat down search.

"We all have the option to opt out of the screening and you go through a pat down. TSA told me that protocol is you will never be asked to lift your clothing, pull down your clothing or remove your clothing even if you were taken into a private screening," said Vice-Mayor Kristin Jacobs referring to news reports to the contrary. "I'm also told by our Aviation Director that delays should not occur even if more people choose a pat down instead."

"When you live long enough you start asking yourself should I eat eggs or not and how many a week? How about Sweet-n-Low versus Splenda? Moderation and balance is key. If you're frequent flyer, you have the option to be patted down. Take advantage of that," said Commissioner Lois Wexler. "I do support that TSA pursue studies with respected universities and entities to raise comfort levels."

"I am not sure that I would take the opinion of the European Union over the opinion of our own Food and Drug Administration or Johns Hopkins, for that matter. I am comfortable our research is significant and substantial enough that for the flying public the health risks are minimal, more minimal than if you were at the dentist," said Commissioner Stacy Ritter. "I could not support suspending the use of these scanners."

"I don't think that banning them at this time is going to be the best thing because we do need them. But we have to question and we have to question to insure that diligence takes place by the government to ensure that this is not going to hurt us. We have to double check for the safety of all of us," said Commissioner Dale Holness.

The majority of Commissioners favored further study by TSA and agreed to send a letter outlining their request to the Broward Congressional delegation. Broward County owns and operates the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport, but does not have authority over TSA, which is an agency created by the federal government after the terrorists attacks in 2001.