IDO Security, Inc. (fka IDOI)

[Ask kicker]

* Theory / Opinion follows *

Over the past several months I've done some research on the Mag Shoe. First of all, we all know it is a device that allows detecting metal in shoes. The need for such a device is due to a weakness in traditional metal detection devices that are essentially blind from the bottom of the foot up to slightly above the ankle. Please see the first 30 sec. of this video to backup this statement:

As we all know, when you travel in an airport you are requested to take off your shoes (if you don't, you will be subjected to a secondary screening procedure). From the time you remove your shoes until the time you put them back on, you are exchanging all types of bacteria, fungus and perhaps virus from person to person. At the point where you must put your shoes back on, if you were wearing sandals (bare foot) or socks it is reasonable to presume "some" exchange of unwanted bacteria from the common walk way shared by thousands transferred from your feet, to your hands and potentially to your mouth. Don't think this is possible? Please read this link (yes, I know old news but still relevant to this subject): http://www.10news.com/news/9463455/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news

Now lets assume that someone walking through the airport is carrying the novel H1N1 virus (previously known as swine flu). Is it not reasonable that this virus could spread from our sweaty feet at the airport? Is it not possible that the airports are becoming a breeding ground for the spread of such disease?

If you still think this possibility is remote, then why on p.15 of the following report does The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recommend Shoe Covers as guidance for laboratory workers who may be processing or performing diagnostic testing, including virus isolation, on specimens from patients with suspected infection?

Excerpt from p.15:

Additional precautions for viral isolation procedures include:
* Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (based on site specific risk assessment)
* Respiratory protection – fit-tested N95 respirator or higher level of protection.
* Shoe covers
* Closed-front gown
* Double gloves
* Eye protection (goggles or face shields)


Full Link to the report: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/docs/2009-05-07_h1n1_health_advisory_update_4.pdf

Based on the above, I think this should at least warrant research by the CDC and potentially the TSA regarding the potential for disease to spread via Shoe Removal at security check points.

The Mag Shoe is a cost-effective device to counter this potential threat. A threat that hasn't been discussed on this board at length and may become more prevalent as the flu season nears.