TSA Body Scanners Mistake Sweat for Explosives, Triggering Pat-Downs

Travelers are finding that airport body scanners frequently misinterpret sweat as potential threats, leading to unexpected pat-downs. One passenger recounted, 'My crotch was flagged twice,' despite wearing standard attire. This issue arises because the scanners detect moisture as anomalies, prompting additional screening procedures.
This phenomenon isn't isolated. Another traveler noted, 'If I'm sweaty, I'm getting a pat down.' The scanners' sensitivity to moisture means that even normal perspiration can trigger alarms, causing inconvenience and discomfort for passengers during security checks.
Notably, some countries have reported false-positive rates as high as 54% with these scanners, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between harmless moisture and actual threats.