As we embark on the era of no scan/no fly:

Pregnant women and children should not be subject to scanning, even though the radiation dose from body scanners is “extremely small,” said the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety report, which is restricted to the agencies concerned and not meant for public circulation. The group includes the European Commission, International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy Agency and the World Health Organization.

A more accurate assessment about the health risks of the screening won’t be possible until governments decide whether all passengers will be systematically scanned or randomly selected, the report said. Governments must justify the additional risk posed to passengers, and should consider “other techniques to achieve the same end without the use of ionizing radiation.” - Bloomberg 

Stangely enough, I know a scientist who works with one of the groups mentioned above. This person mentioned this very issue just two days ago when I asked them about a recent trip and whether they had been body scanned. I see a future workplace safety issue here. Lawyers take note.

Update on February 5, 2010 by Brad

(NOT ME)Rodale:

In an American College of Radiology release, Mayo Clinic neuroradiologist Peter Kalina, MD, voices concerns over machine maintenance and record keeping, particularly if developing countries adopt the security practice. “As a traveler, I don’t know who’s checked that machine or equipment. Can I be sure there won’t be a larger dose of radiation coming from it?” Dr. Kalina asks.