Handheld metal detectors have become a crucial part of modern security screening. From airports and schools to courthouses and large-scale event venues, these compact devices help security personnel detect concealed weapons, metallic threats, and unauthorized metal objects quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re managing crowd control or overseeing a high-traffic checkpoint, chances are you’ve used, or been scanned by, a hand held metal detector.
That brings us to a common question many people have: Are hand held metal detectors safe? Especially in environments where human health, pregnant women, or patients with implants are involved, it’s a valid concern. With conversations swirling around radiation exposure, magnetic fields, and detection sensitivity, it’s only natural to ask about safety considerations.
At Garrett, we’ve spent decades perfecting our metal detector security technology, combining reliable performance and cutting-edge engineering. Our mission? Keep people safe, without compromising comfort, trust, or health. Let’s walk through what these devices actually do and why, with proper use, they’re completely safe.
Key Takeaways
- Handheld metal detectors use non-ionizing magnetic fields at low levels that are completely safe for human exposure.
- These devices do not emit harmful radiation and do not interfere with biological tissues or DNA.
- Handheld metal detectors are safe for pregnant women and pose no risk to developing fetuses.
- Individuals with medical implants such as pacemakers or defibrillators, or those with metal implants can be safely screened with proper communication and technique.
- Garrett’s SuperScanner V, SuperWand, THD, and Guide are trusted tools engineered with security, reliability, and safety in mind.
How Hand Held Metal Detectors Work
Understanding Magnetic Fields
Here’s the quick science: a hand held metal detector uses low-energy magnetic fields to sense the presence of metal. Inside the coil, it generates a magnetic field that reacts when it gets close to metallic objects like knives, tools, or concealed weapons. This interaction is sensed by the detector, which sends an alert, usually a beep or vibration.
Importantly, this energy is non-ionizing, which is a fancy way of saying it doesn’t damage tissue or mess with DNA. You’re not dealing with harmful radiation or high-energy rays like in X-ray machines. These metal detectors don’t affect your body at a cellular level, and they certainly don’t generate enough power to change biological systems.
Detection vs. Emission
Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding. A handheld metal detector doesn’t emit dangerous waves into your body. Instead, it’s more like a radar, it senses disruptions rather than sends anything harmful. There’s no heat, no tissue disruption, and no impact on human health.
This makes it ideal for safely scanning a person quickly and non-invasively. Garrett’s metal detector wands, like the SuperScanner V, SuperWand, THD, and Guide, use advanced technology to detect metal objects safely.
Are Hand Held Metal Detectors Safe for Pregnant Women?
One of the more sensitive topics we often hear about is radiation exposure and pregnancy. So let’s talk about that head-on. When it comes to pregnant women, scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that handheld metal detectors are not harmful.
The non-ionizing nature of the magnetic fields means they won’t affect a developing fetus. Simply put, hand held metal detectors do their job without putting anyone at risk.
What About People With Medical Implants?
Pacemakers, Defibrillators, and Metal Implants
If you’ve got something like a pacemaker, a metal rod, or any other kind of wire inside your body, the idea of being scanned by a hand held metal detector might raise some eyebrows. And rightly so. Safety concerns around radiation exposure, magnetic fields, or the possibility of interference with sensitive devices like ICDs or cochlear implants are common.
But here’s the good news: handheld metal detectors are designed to be completely safe for use around these medical devices. They use very low-level, non-ionizing magnetic fields, which means they don’t emit harmful radiation or rays that affect tissue or electronic implants. In short, these detectors won’t interfere with your heart monitor, hip replacement, or any other medical or metallic object you carry inside.
Best Practices at Checkpoints
Now, if you’ve got a medical implant, or you’re scanning someone who does, the best strategy is also the simplest: communicate. Here’s how to make the screening process smoother and safer:
- Notify the security personnel before stepping into any scan area, whether it’s with a walk through metal detector or a metal detector wand.
- Optionally, request an alternate procedure, like a visual inspection, physical pat-down, or light pass with a hand held metal wand held at a safe distance. While metal detectors are completely safe, many locations still accommodate alternative screening requests and doctor’s notes.
- Be ready to explain what kind of metal objects or implants you have and where they’re located in your body.
These options help minimize the risk of false alarms, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Safe Use Guidelines for Security Personnel
Let’s shift gears and talk about the folks doing the screening, the security professionals on the front lines in airports, event venues, and public places. If you’re using a handheld metal detector day in and day out, you might wonder if all that exposure to magnetic fields is safe for you. Fair question.
Here’s the deal: hand-held metal detectors operate using very low-strength fields that don’t build up or linger. These detectors are essential tools, but they’re not zapping anyone with dangerous energy.
Garrett’s Commitment to Safety and Innovation
Trusted Technology for Every Setting
Here at Garrett, we’ve been designing metal detectors for over 60 years. And during that time, we’ve built a reputation for combining advanced technology with reliable performance, all while prioritizing safety considerations for both security personnel and the people they scan.
Whether it’s walk-through metal detectors or hand-held metal detectors, every device we build is crafted with safety, durability, and real-world usability in mind. We stay ahead of industry standards, continuously test for potential health risks, and meet or exceed international safety standards in everything we make.
Featured Products Built with Safety in Mind
Here’s a look at four of our most trusted hand-held metal detectors. Each one is purpose-built for different security settings, but they all share the same Garrett DNA, safe, smart, and easy to use.
- Guide
Lightweight, cost-effective, and perfect for public places with lower threat levels. Schools and community centers appreciate its balance of performance and simplicity. It’s proof that handheld metal detectors don’t have to be complicated to be effective. - THD™ (Tactical Handheld Detector)
Compact, rugged, and ideal for detecting concealed weapons in tight spaces. Law enforcement teams rely on its precision and ease of use, even in high-pressure situations. - SuperWand®
Designed for full 360-degree coverage, this wand balances detection sensitivity and comfort. It’s built to scan around the form of a person’s body quickly and easily, making it high traffic checkpoints or long security shifts. - SuperScanner® V
This is widely used in airports, schools, and large event venues. Its adjustable sensitivity settings allow for precise screening. Plus, it delivers high detection sensitivity without triggering unnecessary alarms around common metallic objects.
Each of these devices is tailored to different needs, whether you’re working a stadium entrance, a courthouse hallway, or a school gym.
Why Customers Trust Garrett
Customers around the world because we’ve built our name on safety, not shortcuts. From hand held metal detectors to walk through metal detectors, our lineup reflects over half a century of engineering excellence, field testing, and collaboration with security professionals in some of the most demanding environments around the globe.
We don’t just deliver key features, we deliver confidence. And in this business, that’s not a nice-to-have. It’s crucial. So whether you’re carrying out daily scans or evaluating new security screening equipment for your team, you can trust Garrett to help you make the safest, smartest, and most informed decision possible.
If your team is considering integrating handheld metal detectors into your security screening procedures, or if you’re just looking to learn more, contact us, we’re here to help you make a well-informed decision, based on facts.
So, Are Hand Held Metal Detectors Safe?
Yes, they absolutely are. Are hand held metal detectors safe for use around pregnant women, people with implants, and everyday security staff? The answer is backed by decades of scientific evidence, international safety standards, and real-world use: yes.
They don’t produce harmful radiation, don’t interfere with internal metal objects, and, when used properly, are completely safe for both the person being screened and the person doing the screening.Of course, no security setting is one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to choose the right device. If you need help choosing a hand held metal detector for security purposes, contact our team at Garrett today.
