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> You'd get a generic chemical trace detection machine Is this what the TSA uses when they swab my dog/my hands? I always assumed it was to look for a bomb bu
by elliekelly 7y ago
> You'd get a generic chemical trace detection machine
Is this what the TSA uses when they swab my dog/my hands? I always assumed it was to look for a bomb but I’ve never asked because I figured using the “b” word at the airport would only bring more trouble.
- tricolon 7y agoI was once pulled aside for secondary screening by the TSA, and I was so bewildered that they asked if I'd taken a cab to the airport—and I had. The agent explained that it's a common cause of false positives like mine—"residue" gets left behind on the seats. I didn't feel like pressing them for more details, though.
- CaptainZapp 7y agoHand creams can set off that alarm. They often contain glicerine, which can be a compund in explosives.
- bifrost 7y agoI'm not sure what the TSA use but I'm pretty sure they don't really work. I've had multiple friends confirm a negative test for GSR when they'd just been at the shooting range in the same jacket/etc. We still have people accidentally bring guns/knives on planes...