TSA Error Means Scanner Radiation Levels are 10 Times Higher Than Believed

The most recent round of testing on TSA's advanced imaging technology has reveals a shocking mistake: radiation levels of the airport security devices was found to be 10 times higher than previously tested. 

According to Switched, the equipment testers forgot to divide the total output by 10 to get an average reading. 

Hundreds of scanners now have to be re-tested. In the meantime, the public's faith in the advanced technology is becoming increasingly eroded. TSA still says that the scanners meet all safety standards and will remain in operation. The Association for Airline Passenger Rights is asking the government to force a shutdown of the devices until testing concludes, which will probably happen in May.

"Certainly, the errors are not acceptable," said TSA spokeswoman Sarah Horowitz. "It’s not every report. We believe the technology is safe. We’ve done extensive, independent testing. It doesn’t raise alarms in terms of safety."

According to the government, the radiation output of the scanners is minimal and 1,000 screenings is the equivalent of a single chest X-ray