First full-body scanner installed at Pearson

Pearson International Airport unveiled its first full-body scanner on Thursday, an extra security measure for flights headed to the United States.

The scanner, which is installed in Terminal 1, uses electromagnetic waves to scan through clothing to check for hidden objects, such as weapons or explosives.

Since the scanner’s debut on Thursday, there have been some line-ups, but no significant delays, said Trish Kale, spokeswoman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

After the Christmas Day bombing attempt stricter regulations were placed on travellers flying out of Canadian airports. The full-body scanner installed at Pearson is part of a security initiative by Transport Canada which will see the scanners installed at major Canadian airports in the next few months.