What sets off a walk-through metal detector?

What sets off metal detectors at airports? Airport walk-through metal detectors are sensitive to any types of metals, including orthopedic implants or metal plates used to treat bone fractures. Hip and knee replacements will also set off metal detectors at airports, as will any jewelry, keys, belt buckles, and more.



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Aluminum foil is not likely to be detected by metal detectors. However, if you use X-rays, you will notice a big black void in the suitcase and will be forced to open it. As a result, aluminum foil can't be used to cover something else at the airport.

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If you have a hip replacement, knee replacement, a metal plate and screws, a metal rod inside your bone, or one of many other types of orthopedic implants, you may set off the airport metal detector.

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Too much iron in the body can set off metal detectors. This is rare--and weird--because the human body naturally uses iron and other metals such as zinc, chromium and selenium. Excessive iron is possible if you have a genetic mutation that causes a disease called hemochromatosis.

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