The Transportation Security Administration has deployed trace explosives detection portals at Washington-Reagan and Washington-Dulles. The two airports join Baltimore-Washington International and 21 others nationwide in a program designed to prevent explosive material from getting onboard commercial planes. Passengers identified as needing additional screening, as well as passengers selected at random, will pass through the trace portal for explosives detection screening. As passengers enter the trace portal, they are asked to stand still for a few seconds while several "bursts" of air are released, dislodging microscopic particles that are then collected and analyzed for traces of explosives. A computerized voice indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. TSA said its officers will then take steps to resolve the alarms. Similar technology is already deployed at airports in Baltimore; Boston; Dallas-Fort Worth; Gulfport, MS.; Jacksonville, FL; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Newark; New York-JFK; Palm Beach, FL; Phoenix; Providence, RI; Rochester, NY; San Francisco; San Diego; Pittsburgh; Tampa, FL.; Fort Lauderdale, FL.; San Juan; and Indianapolis. More airports will receive the new technology in the coming months. Visit [www.tsa.gov].
