The State : Explosives Detector Test

The nation’s newest airport explosives detection system is being tested in San Francisco and Los Angeles, authorities reported. A $1-million conveyor device employing deep radiation penetration to “read” the chemical footprint of a bomb has been designed to foil terrorists and is used on checked luggage and cargo. Over the last seven months the systems have been tested randomly on more than 20,000 bags at San Francisco and Los Angeles international airports with a variety of simulated bombs. According to the FAA, 10 of the busiest U.S. airports are expected to get the machines this year at a cost of more than $8 million.