What Shows Up Orange On An Airport Scanner?

Common Orange Scan Results

Airport scanners are designed to detect potential threats, and while red often signifies high-priority items, orange alerts signal something that requires further examination. Understanding what commonly triggers an orange scan result can help travelers navigate the security process smoothly.

Foodstuffs

Commonly, orange scan results at airports occur due to foodstuffs. This is particularly true for products containing citrus fruits or their components like juice or zest. The high concentration of natural pigments in these items can sometimes trigger a partial alert, prompting security personnel to inspect them further.

Chemicals

Certain chemicals can also lead to orange scan results. For example, materials containing high levels of iron oxide, a common pigment used in various products, might be flagged. Additionally, some types of sunscreen or cosmetics containing certain chemical compounds could potentially trigger an orange alert due to their composition.

Construction Materials

Construction materials can sometimes show up orange on airport scanners. This is often due to the presence of iron oxide pigments used in many building materials such as concrete and brick. The scanner may flag these items, requiring a closer look from security personnel.

Electronics

Electronics can also occasionally trigger an orange scan result. Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones, laptops, and other devices, are common culprits. Their chemical composition can sometimes produce a signal that resembles potential threats on the scanner.

Metal components within electronics, such as circuit boards or connectors, can also contribute to an orange alert. The density of these metals might be interpreted as suspicious by the scanner.

Less Common Orange Scan Results

While red alerts often signify immediate concern, orange alerts on airport scanners indicate items requiring closer inspection. These less common results can stem from various sources, including everyday items like food products, chemicals, construction materials, and even electronics.

Fruits & Vegetables (specific types)

Less common orange scan results can sometimes arise from specific fruits and vegetables. Certain types of oranges, especially those with high levels of pigments or a unique skin texture, might trigger a partial alert.

Additionally, sweet potatoes, carrots, and mangoes, due to their vibrant orange flesh, can occasionally cause an orange scan result.

Certain Types of Clothing and Fabric

Certain types of clothing and fabric can also lead to orange scan results. Items made with materials containing metallic threads or fibers, such as certain sequins, embellishments, or performance wear, might be flagged by the scanner. The presence of these metallic elements can create a signal that resembles potential threats.

Furthermore, some fabrics dyed with natural pigments, particularly those derived from plants like turmeric or saffron, might trigger an orange alert due to their unique chemical composition.

Understanding False Positives

Airport scanners are designed to detect potential threats, and while red often signifies high-priority items, orange alerts signal something that requires further examination. Understanding what commonly triggers an orange scan result can help travelers navigate the security process smoothly.

Factors Affecting Scanner Accuracy

Airport scanners utilize advanced technology to detect potential threats, and while red alerts generally indicate high-priority items, orange alerts signify the need for closer inspection.

Several factors can contribute to orange scan results. Foodstuffs are common culprits, especially those containing citrus fruits or their components. The natural pigments in these products can sometimes trigger a partial alert.

Certain chemicals can also lead to orange scans. Materials with high iron oxide content, a common pigment, may be flagged. Additionally, some sunscreens or cosmetics with specific chemical compounds might trigger an alert due to their composition.

Construction materials, such as concrete and brick containing iron oxide pigments, can sometimes show up orange on scanners. Electronics, particularly batteries and metal components within devices, can also contribute to orange alerts.

Less common orange scan results can arise from specific fruits and vegetables with vibrant colors or unique textures. Some fabrics, especially those containing metallic threads or fibers, or those dyed with natural pigments, might also trigger an alert.

How to Address a Suspicious Scan Result

Understanding why certain items show up orange on airport scanners is crucial for travelers. These orange alerts signify that the scanner has detected something that requires further inspection but doesn’t necessarily pose a serious threat.

Foodstuffs are a common cause of orange alerts, especially products containing citrus fruits or their components like juice or zest. The high concentration of natural pigments in these items can sometimes trigger a partial alert.

Certain chemicals can also lead to orange scan results. Materials with high iron oxide content, a common pigment, may be flagged. Additionally, some sunscreens or cosmetics with specific chemical compounds might trigger an alert due to their composition.

Construction materials containing iron oxide pigments, such as concrete and brick, can sometimes appear orange on scanners. Electronics, particularly batteries and metal components within devices, can also contribute to orange alerts.

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