Is a visit to the mall putting you at risk?

How often do you visit a mall, multiplex or airports or any security risk area? In today’s times practically everyone does and at every visit there is a compulsory encounter with the ubiquitous metal detector at the door.

At a time when the ongoing debate about the harmful effects of intense radiation from metal detectors and body scanners is raising concerns worldwide, should you be worried? After all these machines project an X-Ray beam on the human body and it is already established how harmful frequent exposure to these radiations are.

Is the pursuit of security at these establishments subjecting people to significant health risks?

It is believed that these radiations cause immune system deficiencies, alter DNA in individuals and reduce sperm counts in men. Health risks to young children, seniors, pregnant women and their unborn babies are even more grave.

Many health experts confirm that no independent studies have been conducted on these radiation emitting machines.

Consultant Medical oncologist Dr Sachin Almel says, “There is not enough evidence either ways to suggest how harmful these radiations are. We are yet to find the relevant data,” but adds quickly, “Of course, simply flying frequently does not mean that the body scanners used at airports would cause cancer. That would be too alarmist a way to react.”

There are others like leading toxicologist Dr Hasnain Patel who disagree.

“Radiations from body scanners and metal detectors are definitely harmful to the health. The reason that a study hasn’t been done on this issue is because these machines fuel a huge business. The radiation emitted by these machines is a sure cancer-causing agent,” he avers.

Some like Dr Rekha Davar, Head of Gynaecology at JJ Hospital believes that under the circumstances the safest option is to minimise exposure to radiation from body scanners and metal detectors.

“Despite the fact that no study confirms the harmful effects of these machines, I still advise my patients to avoid inadvertent exposure. These radiations might not be dangerous to a person, if s/he is exposed to them occasionally. But multiple exposure might cause damage to one’s health,” she insists.

A sentiment of caution, shared by gynaecologist Dr Kiran Coelho, of Lilavati hospital. “Pregnant women must avoid body scanners and detectors completely, especially during the first trimester, when the foetus goes through organo-genesis (organ formation),” she advises.

Apart from mothers to be, heart patients with pacemakers are also at risk. Dr G.S. Sainani, Chief Physician and Director of Medicine Department at Jaslok Hospital explains, “metal detectors are highly unsafe for people using pacemakers which regulates heart beats  in those with a block in the heart’s electrical conduction system.

A metal detector may disrupt the settings of such medical devices,” and adds, “As far as others are concerned, they too must avoid frequent exposure.”

“Body scanners are harmful depending upon the level of radiation emitted. Even diagnostic medical procedures like X-Rays, CT Scanners and Intravenous Pilography emit harmful radiation, and are not recommended for everybody.

While taking X-Rays, technicians are particularly asked to leave the room to avoid over-exposure,” explains
Dr Vikram Pal of V Care Clinic, Versova who says, body scanners are more dangerous.

“Body scanners, if handled by incompetent officials might increase radiation which would have a direct effect on people’s health. This could also be true in case of technical errors,” he warns.

So next time you visit a mall do what Sapna Katare, a Goregaon homemaker does.

“I simply ask the attendants to pick up my baby and give her to me after I have completed the metal detection and body scanning,” she points out and suggests, “mall managements must institutionalise this system so that it becomes standard procedure in every mall.

Occasionally, I have had to bicker on this but I stick to my guns. I don’t mind having to go through frisking by a woman in a closed environment but till such a time that research tells us irrefutably that this is not harmful I will not put my baby to risk.”