The US TSA (Transport Security Administration) is providing all airports in the US with new security technology in an effort to boost present explosive powder detection efforts. The technology involved is essentially a kit that tests for these powders' presence, and the administration has emphasised along with the technology's deployment that the experience for passengers passing through US airport security will be little changed.

"The majority of passengers won't notice any difference in checkpoint procedures", spokeswoman for the TSA, Kristen Lee, told news network CNN. "This is just one additional layer of security that helps bolster our explosive detection capability."

US Airport Security Technology

The TSA stressed that no specific explosives-based terrorist threat to airports had emerged to prompt the introduction of this new US airport security technology, but highlighted the protection that it could provide in the event of a terrorist act.

Travellers passing through US airports will pass hand luggage through existing X-ray machines as previously. However, should these machines pick up on a powder deemed risky or dangerous, the container holding this powder will be isolated, a representative powder sample removed and blended with a special solution to test it out. If required, said Lee, this process will be carried out in a way that removes the risk of the powder becoming contaminated, and notification will be given to the passengers involved that the test is being done.

Airport Security Measures

Prior to the introduction of these new airport security measures, airports had to draft in dedicated explosives experts or local security officials.

"Every day, TSA officers work at over 450 airports nationwide screening approximately two million passengers to keep the travelling public safe", administrator at the TSA, Gale Rossides, explained in a TSA press release. "These enhancements are part of TSA's efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats while continually strengthening our layered approach to security."

The administration added in the same press release that most common powders - medicines, make-up and baby products, for example - are not likely to require additional security screening.

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