Lead Shielding Provides Radiation Protection and Security for People in Airports
Posted by
Tom Trisco on Mon, Sep 26, 2011 @ 10:24 AM
On a recent trip to visit customers around the country I was in and out of many airports in California, Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin. I noticed that a number of my fellow business flyers never missed an opportunity to complain about airport security procedures. I don’t fall into this group, however, because I look upon going through airport security as being part of my job.
Some of my interest as a frequent flyer is focused on the sophisticated security systems that screen passengers, carry-on and checked baggage. The x-ray systems that check my body and my baggage provide radiation protection to passengers and airport personnel who use them. Many of these systems are built with lead-shielding products made by my company, Vulcan GMS. The need for radiation safety where x-ray equipment is involved is rather basic.
But what is really striking to me, particularly after the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our country, is how good a job airport security has done at keeping the flying public safe. America has been free of any further instance of an attack made possible because bad people with box cutters could walk through the security screening process. There has been no indication of even an attempt to launch an attack from within the United States, using our air travel system to commandeer an aircraft for the purposes of terror.
I think that in light of this 10-year track record of flying safety the companies that manufacture the security systems the TSA uses can be justly proud of the performance of their products in our continuing national safety. Those of us who work one or two tiers lower in this supply chain can also take pride in our contribution to making the skies safe for our family, friends, neighbors and fellow passengers—wherever they are from.
My company makes parts for a variety of security applications. I’ll tell you more about one of those next week.
Meanwhile, find out more about the role Vulcan plays in supplying our customers in the airport security equipment business by visiting us at www.vulcangms.com/products-security/