STPP and ETD (explosives trace detector) test

[joeypete]

Question for our chemistry experts:

I work for an airline and as of late we are required to go through a special checkpoint setup for airport workers. The screening involves a physical pat down, bag search, and ETD swab of our hands and bags for explosives. I was taking with me a canvas bag that I kept my personal belongings, like keys, wallet, etc and my Tupperware water bottle. So after a short while my bag kept alarming and I was required to go through extra screening. Not horrible but it's a pain in the neck and potentially can make me late for work. So I switched bags and used a new one. It was fine for a while and then started alarming again. So now I have been only taking a disposable plastic shopping bag which I carry my water bottle and also my salad bowl. Both items I wash daily in the dishwasher. After asking what could set the alarm off I was told to check my hand lotion to see if it contained glycerin . Well low and behold it did. So I stopped using it and washed my hands before going into work.

Now my disposable bags are setting off the alarm. So I'm wondering if it could be the STPP? I use it in my dishwashing detergent. Since phosphorus is a fertilizer I would think maybe it could be alarming the machine (nitrates will)? I can't think of anything else. It's seems to be worse since I got my KA dishwasher. It only does 1 rinse so maybe it is not being rinsed off completely?

Thoughts?

 

[vacerator]

Yikes!

Could be? Isn't a salad bowl too large to carry on?
Maybe it was zero hour and they were just randomly alarming so they can check? Do they do that?
I don't fly much, mainly drop off and pick up's.
A few years ago, a TSA bycicle cop yelled at me because I was parked in the dark with my lights and engine off in front of the arrival area at the terminal.
I'm olive complected. He just shook his head like I was a middle easterner.

 

[joeypete]

Well I don't fly anywhere it's just for airport employees. My salad bowl is a small container for my lunch lol.

 

[tolivac]

Any phophorous or nitrate may trip the explosive detectors.both are used in expolsives adn incendary devices.so to "pass" the tests don't have anything that has traces of these on it.

 

[retro-man]

I know that pool chemicals such as chlorine will set it off. I got pulled aside once going through security because I guess I spilled some on my sneakers prior to leaving for the airport when I was topping off the pool with water and chemicals.

Jon

 

[tolivac]

Yes,come to think of it Chlorine is in some explosives.So you have to be careful what is on you if you go thru those explosive scanners or be sniffed by the explosives detector dogs-usually beagels or labs.

 

[joeypete]

Yeah I'm thinking it has to be the STPP...I seriously can't think of anything else that I use that would set it off. Last night I ran my dishwasher with just Cascade...no STPP so I'll see how it goes today. I was looking up the ingredients for the rinse aid too. Doesn't seem to have anything that would set off an alarm.

 

[tomturbomatic]

If you have one of the new dishwashers that only give one rinse after the wash, it could be the detergent residue that dries to a fine powder that is tripping the sensors.

 

[miele_ge]

a few years ago i got pulled aside for further screening

They found traces of nitrates on my bag - turned out to be from the fertilizer my partner had transported for his Dad in his van.

TSA was nice about it though. The lady actually explained what she was doing, even pointing out we had cats (orange and black/white) from the hair on the bag which was kind of cool. And, I didn't miss my flight so all good.

When I got home I called my partner and told him and his first words were "Oh no!" LOL

 

[chachp]

So the elephant in the [chat] room...........

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Has this happened since you installed your 23 (or 21 can't remember) series Dishwasher in your kitchen?</span>

 

[joeypete]

Yes I have a KDM-21. It's been happening a lot since I got this dishwasher. But honestly I'm also using more STPP since it uses more water too.

I didn't use STPP last night and today my bag was fine. So I'm guessing that was it. I won't add it anymore except for maybe once a week when I don't wash anything for work. I probably don't need it for every wash anyhow. I did when I first got the machine to get it nice and clean.

My hands alarmed though....even after rinsing them with hot water after my shower. Came home to look at my Irish Spring soap and it contains glycerin. Guess I won't be using that anymore lol.

I mentioned the phosphates to the TSA and the guy looked at me like I had 3 heads! Lmao. Guess I will stick with my own findings hahaha.

 

[warmsecondrinse]

I wonder if specific things are scanned for at specific places, i.e. government buildings as opposed to airports. Whenever I've set an alarm off for no apparent reason and am told I need to wait I just smile sweetly and say, "No problem. I started 'on the clock' when I walked in the front door so it's cool. I'll just call/text/e-mail ___(name)___ and let him know I'm here and will be up whenever you guys are done with me. No worries."

It's amazing how quickly I get manually scanned/checked/frisked and cleared to go when the guards realize that I'm getting paid to sit there and wait for them.

 

[joeypete]

I'm not sure how they set the machines. At the airport they are set to detect explosives only..not narcotics, etc. I get paid too...my airline will let me adjust my times so if I'm say 5 minutes late for work, I just have to work 5 minutes late after my shift to make up the time. The airport requires us to do the screening so we aren't penalized at least. I got a similar response when I told them I could stay there all day, I'm getting paid! lol

What's stupid is if someone alarms and there are other people waiting behind you, they only get either just badge checks or badge checks and quick scan of belongings...no ETD. Once it alarms they have to freeze the machine and clean it. So basically someone could watch to see who alarms...go in after them and then they won't have to get screened. A Southwest employee was there yesterday, we start at the same time. He said "Oh I was hoping to get here before you." I was like, no this is perfect, now YOU don't have to get screened.

It's a very poor screening method I think.

 

[jp10558]

The entire TSA and airline security in the US is just "Security Theatre" - it does pretty much nothing to stop any sort of dangers. It just annoys everyone who isn't going to do anything.

 

[sudsmaster]

I'm so glad I don't fly any more.

 

The whole TSA thing reminds me of the saying about door locks. They are there to keep your friends out.

 

 

[joeypete]

Yeah it's def a pain in the neck. I don't even fly for my job, I just work at the airport. But due to recent events, airports are now requiring the ground employees to go through screening. It's from that Russian plane crash...airport workers placed the bomb I guess. It doesn't bother me really, but when their machines detect trace amounts of ingredients that are in personal care products, then it becomes annoying.

I changed my soap to Dove for Men and yesterday I was fine. Hopefully today will be the same. haha

 

[joeypete]

I agree that most new microwaves should be good. I've never had one die on me. My ex bought a Sharp microwave in 1998. Shortly after the display quit working but the microwave operated fine. I continued to use it up until 2011 when I moved. It was still working but I didn't need it anymore.

I have a Samsung stainless model in my condo. It's over the stove. Works great!