Dosimeters shouldn't be packed in checked luggage

Beginning this year, all checked luggage for travel on the nation's major airlines must be screened for explosives. This involves the scanning of luggage using radiation producing machines.

Laboratory employees shouldn't travel with their external dosimeters without the approval of Health Physics Measurements (HSR-4). And, if external dosimetry is approved for use while on travel, dosimeters shouldn't be placed in checked luggage.

Machines now being used to scan checked luggage can register a significant dose on a dosimeter. However, the X-ray machines that are used for carry-on luggage screening are not powerful enough to register a signal. Dosimeters may be placed in carry-on luggage, if necessary.

For more information, contact HSR-4 at 5-6064.

Other Headlines