BWI To Scan For Explosives On Hands

LINTHICUM, Md. --

After the attempted bombing of a plane on Christmas, the Transportation Security Administration has added another layer of security at airports all over the country, including at BWI.

TSA swabbing machines typically used for baggage will now be used on passengers' skin. They're called explosive trace detection, or ETD, devices.

"It's a highly valuable tool for us, so we want to use it in new ways to leverage that ability," said TSA spokeswoman Lauren Gaches.

TSA agents usually take a swab of a random bag and then feed it into a computer to test for explosives. The TSA will expand that testing to your skin, such as on your hands, and will do the testing in random areas, such as before security checkpoints and at the gate.

"Passengers may see random screening going on at any time. It takes seconds and should not impact their travel process," Gaches said.

Passengers 11 News spoke to didn't seem to mind the new screening, calling it a sign of the times.

"I think it's great. Whatever you can do to tighten up security is OK by me," said traveler Jill Nado.

To date, the TSA has received $15 million in funding for 400 ETD units and is expecting an additional $39 million next year for 800 more.

The TSA is calling it a necessary tool to keep up with the changing face of terrorism. Passengers shouldn't see too much of a delay and the screenings should go into effect in the next couple of weeks.

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