The Transportation Security Administration is removing full-body, X-ray scanners from major U.S. airports, and shipping them to less busy locations.
TSA introduced the so-called backscatter scanners, sometimes referred to as the "naked" X-ray machines, at U.S. airports in 2009. Many travelers were not happy that naked images of themselves were displayed to TSA officers in a nearby room. In addition to privacy concerns, travelers were concerned about radiation exposure. (Read more: The Skinny on Full-Body Scanners)
The replacement scanning machines offer less invasive, cartoon-like images of passengers. And you can even turn around after passing through the machine to see the same image TSA officer review.
The full-body, X-ray scanners will be removed from New York's Kennedy, LaGuardia and other major airports, the Associated Press reported. TSA said the decision was made to speed up security at busy airports. (Read more: Less Invasive, 'Gumby' Body Scanners to Debut at Boston Airport)
The full-body scanners will be shipped to smaller airports that have more time to screen passengers.
TSA spokesperson Sterling Payne said in an email to CNBC.com that health concerns were not a factor in the decision. "This change in deployment is in no way related to any public concerns about the safety of Backscatter."
To date, the less invasive "Gumby" scanners are in use at the following airports, the TSA confirms:
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Orlando International Airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- New York's LaGuardia Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
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