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Newest bogus airport threat - suspicious powders
By now most people passing through the airport are aware of the dangers of liquids. I'm sure you know to carry your tiny bottles in a TSA specified plastic baggie. So, now that threat has been neutralized, it is time to move on to the next one - powders.Because the TSA discovered that certain kinds of powder can be used in the creation of improvised explosive devices, they are going to start screening for suspicious containers of powder.
Airports have been outfitted with new equipment for testing powered substances, and the TSA wants you to know that a small percentage of these products will be selected for additional screening. If they detect anything explosive, it won't be allowed past security.
The official TSA blog is quick to admit that they don't have any specific threats that triggered the new measures, but felt the need to introduce these new measures anyway. Their logic is that they want to stay ahead of any emerging threats. To me, it all sounds a lot like someone got bored, and wanted to come up with a new way to remind us that the world is still a dangerous place.
So, let it be a warning - leave your explosive baby powder at home, and be prepared for more reasons for airport security to pull you aside for a secondary screening.
Check out these other stories from the airport checkpoint!
Filed under: Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
myob1776 Sep 9th 2009 4:11PM
Well, I guess that means we'd better leave our powdered non-dairy creamer products at home. Do a Google search on "cremora" and you'll see why.
Malaycobra Sep 9th 2009 7:22PM
"Away of the dangers..." Might that be "aware"?
Shome Mishtake Shureley?
Chris Sep 9th 2009 11:23PM
You caught the "away" typo, now how about the "kinds of power" (kinds of powder) one? A little proof reading goes a long way.
Blogger Bob Sep 10th 2009 3:16PM
Hi Scott. FYI - TSA has always known about explosive powders and we've been screening for them all along. We simply have a new tool that will help when something catches our eye.
I know you stated it in jest, but folks need not leave their powders and baby powder at home. Unless they are explosive of course... :)
Thanks,
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
http://www.tsa.gov/blog
CARMELA Sep 12th 2009 3:45PM
WORRYING ABOUT POWDER? I AM ALL FOR SECURITY, WHATEVER THEY WANT TO CHECK IS OKAY WITH ME. SO WHY DIDN'T NUMEROUS AIRPORTS NOT CATCH MY 12 YR OLD WITH A CARRY-ON FLYING BY HIMSELF WITH A KNIFE? HE WAS USING THAT TO TAKE FISHING WITH HIS FATHER. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT HE PUT THAT IN HIS BAG RIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT FOR THE AIRPORT. ALSO NOBODY EVER ASKED FOR ID FOR THAT CHILD. I HAVE ALSO TRAVLED WITH HIM AND NOBODY EVER ASK FOR ANY KIND OF ID FOR HIM, HOW DO THEY KNOW I AM NOT KIDNAPPING HIM? AS FAR AS THE KNIFE IT COULD EASILY BE PASSED ONTO SOMEBODY ON THE PLANE.
sherri Sep 12th 2009 7:58PM
Bob, while the restrictions were so bad..my son had to fly to texas for a ball game, but he was on a commercial plane. He went to texas, was headed back with his stop in Dallas.. he realized the knife his uncle had given him was in his computer bag on the plane WITH him. He called me from Dallas..I told him to throw it away. Since it was an expensive gift, he didn't want to do that. He brought it home. I called the airport and told people what happened..and kept getting passed on the phone. It again reminds me, reading this, that he had to put that computer case through the scanner and someone missed a knife. In two airports, four times. That is scarey. I'm not trying to insult you guys..but here's the thing... all it takes is one person at the airport letting someone slip by..whether accidentally or on purpose. There is nothing you can do to stop human failure or even participation by employees to help someone plan to take down a plane. The problem most of us have with airport personnel is that while some really don't care...others are just rude and use this to give themselves some "power" over justus because they can. remember, the terrorists didn't want to blow the plane up and didn't make bombs on the planes...they wanted to use it as a missile. Protect the pilots who make the rest of us feel safe.
msmc10 Sep 12th 2009 3:08PM
Ah..... another nail "Big Brother" is driving in the American coffin. Don't we Americans see what the government is doing to us. Little by little their controlling our lives. WAKE up and vote ALL ther crooks out of office so we can elect another bunch of crooks, spread the wealth.......
JP Sep 12th 2009 3:31PM
TSA just needs to go away. These bozos are experts at identifying threats that don't exist in order to justify their existence as a tax Dollar wasting entity.
parrotntrouble Sep 12th 2009 3:25PM
CLOSE THE T.S.A.....THIS IS ANOTHER NAZI POLICE CREATED UNDER THE BUSH REGIME...!!!!
jim Sep 12th 2009 7:47PM
Actually, this is a reply to JACK:
YOU, sir, are the idiot. The Republitards owned BOTH Congressional houses and were supported by the retard in the White House, so if you wish to blame this security fiasco on anyone, the blame goes on the Republitards. THAT is why we got a 'TSA'; another way to rip up our civil liberties.
Terry Sep 12th 2009 3:26PM
Look plan ahead or buy your toiletries when you land. Also put sky marshals back on the plains and the evil doers will not blow up airplanes. Or better yet, close the borders and now allow foriegners into the country unless they pass strict background checks. There are ways to stop this crap if the government really wants to but as evidenced by 9-11 agencies dont talk, they ignore each other, are incompetent or are told to ignore information. Its all documented find it, the US government can stop this but they will not, they want to fear monger you and I. Well no fear here, I wont fly anymore. No reason to, so I wont. Stop the one world government fear mongers and get them the hell out of our government, oh guess they have pretty much taken over Congress. This is the reason for the tea parties, protests at the town hall meetings ect because the American people are fed up with incompentent corrupt Congress. If Congress and this President doesnt get that message they are as stupid as they think we are.
lee Sep 12th 2009 4:06PM
Check your grammar before you call anyone incompetent or stupid.
oakfield Sep 12th 2009 3:31PM
ORANGE ALERT !! Fly only if absolutely neccessary, travel light with a carry on backpack. Avoid those pesky airports (I'll drive 10 hrs to skip the plan) cuz the prevs are looking at your privates and databanking your every breath - as for me, I'll drive it.
junior Sep 12th 2009 3:33PM
MYOB1776, you are so right. One 4th of July I was in an area where fireworks are prohibited and we used Carnations Non Dairy Creamer for our fireworks show. It was great and I know I'll never use it again in my coffee. Because if it lites up like it did over an open fire, I'd hate to think what it's doing to my stomach.
holley Sep 12th 2009 4:05PM
TSA is the biggest joke there has ever been. My Option is fire the whole damn bunch.
Joe Sep 12th 2009 4:37PM
Hey! I'm all for firing the slugs. Only problem is, after they are fired, the slugs will go on welfare and STILL collect a government check. Their sole purpose is to justify their existence and pat down anyone that DOES NOT fit the the category of a would-be terrorist. The money spent on these bums could well be spent somewhere else and protect us just as well. I refuse to fly anymore, I drive everywhere I want to go....can't afford the wait anymore if these slugs decide to shut-down an airport. I still think the name for them should have been Airport Security System.
Mike Sep 12th 2009 8:12PM
Amazing to read all the comments about closing the TSA, blaming democrats for all that went on after 9/11. As if Bush and the Republicans didn't push to create Homeland Security, and the Patriot Act, and to undermine decades of established law. I'm glad that all of you nutjobs are choosing to drive, leave the airports to the rest of us ... by and large, I have no problem whatsoever getting through airport security, with absolutely minimal hassle or delay. Please stay away .... go to one of your retarded tea parties, I got a huge laugh today watching the wingnuts in Washington DC have their teaparty. You are so entertaining, its like watching the creepy 'tards in Deliverance, you know, the ones who's parents were siblings, so the family gene pool is only about six inches deep.
Terry Sep 12th 2009 4:11PM
a type here and typo there Lee, stop scrubbing your hands. Or get on meds for ocd or just drink the kool-aid. if thats the best you have to offer then good for you your an english major.
Realist Sep 12th 2009 4:22PM
But when are they going to ban one of the most lethal weapons ever - the ballpoint pen in your pocket or purse!
Gil Sep 12th 2009 4:51PM
What about the following: Airlines which give passengers metal eating utensils with their meals - pilots and their crews which stand and greet passengers boarding with door open to the control cabin [ a would be terrorist could push them aside, enter. and take off ]. Some remedies : prohibit metal utensils - pilots enter cabin before passengers board - two flight marshals [ paid for by a surcharge of five dollars per passenger on a 300 plus passengers per flight ] - cameras throughout plane allerting flight crew of any problems - codes which are changed with each flight where pilots are required to radio into control tower one hour prior to arrival from incoming flights to warn of danger. This would give air force fighter pilots time to "scramble." Just a few suggestions from an non-government novise.