Security Scanning Equipment Safety

Safety tested to meet multiple certifications

The technology we’ve selected uses extremely low frequency (ELF) radio waves that are a non-ionizing-sensing modality in compliance with IEEE’s 2019 guidance for safe operation with the general public, which they define as including pregnant people and their unborn children, as well as operators. This system has been safety tested and meets these certifications:

• IEEE C95.1-2019 Standard for Safety Level with Respect to EMF
• ICNIRP Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric and Magnetic Fields 2010 (1 Hz-100 kHz)
• NRTL-certified in accordance with UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1 and EN 61010-1
• Americans with Disabilities Act (compliant access)
• RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical equipment)

Comparable use of ELF radio waves

This solution uses ELF radio waves in the range used by the anti-theft systems (EAS detectors) widely deployed in retail settings for loss prevention.

FDA Guidance: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance on anti-theft systems (EAS detectors)¹ and determined the likelihood of EAS system interfering with medical devices is extremely low, and any effects on the implant and the wearer were typically transient and unlikely to cause clinically significant symptoms in most wearers.

However, electronic medical devices may be affected by ELF radio wave systems.² Visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices should consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device. An alternative screening is available if you’re concerned about your safety.

^{¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Electronic Product Devices Branch, Division of Enforcement III, Office of Compliance; Guidance for Industry, Labeling for Electronic Anti-Theft Systems; August 2000.}

^{² Beinart R, Nazarian S. Effects of external electrical and magnetic fields on pacemakers and defibrillators: From engineering principles to clinical practice. Circulation. December 2013.}

Health and safety questions

Is it safe to pass through the security scanning equipment?

This solution has been safety tested and meets all required government safety certifications, including those from the FCC, OSHA, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Restrictions of Hazardous Substances in Electrical Equipment.

Is it safe for people with an implanted or wearable medical device?

In keeping with FDA guidance on the anti-theft systems (EAS detectors) and walk-through metal detectors, it’s recommended that visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device. An alternative screening approach is recommended for anyone who has safety concerns.

Is it safe for pregnant people?

The technology uses extremely low frequency radio waves (ELF) – a non-ionizing-sensing modality – in compliance with IEEE C95.1-2019 Standard for Safety Level with Respect to EMF, the guidance for safe operation with the general public, which includes pregnant people and their unborn children. The IEEE is a leading developer of industry standards.

Are these systems safe for long-term exposure (e.g., system operators)?

The system uses extremely low frequency radio waves (ELF). The ELF waves are compliant with IEEE C95.1-2019 Standard for Safety Level with Respect to EMF, the guidance for safe operation with the general public, which applies to regular, occupational and infrequent exposure, and with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2010 guidance. The ICNIRP is an independent organization that provides scientific information and science-based advice on protection from non-ionizing radiations through a wide range of publications, and IEEE is a leading developer of industry standards.