I just visited the CN tower this weekend.  When we went through the
security archways, we had to wait for bursts of air to hit us while a
camera recorded the process.  What is the technology and reason behind
the bursts of air?  I hope the answer will explain the basic
principles of this screening tool. sampling air or just displacing
clothing to look for concealed weapons are my guesses.  I'm sorry but
I don't remember the name of the company that makes the archways.

Hello melissatl,

Sampling air is essentially correct.  These devices, made by Smiths
Detection, collect particles from the person's skin and clothes and
check for explosives.

The following two articles mention the use of these devices at the CN
Tower, and describe the basic principles.

"'Puffing' at the Newark Airport" (updated July 29th, 2005) (Record,
The (Hackensack, NJ) (KRT) via NewsEdge Corporation)
Airport Business
http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?id=2888&siteSection=5

"Smiths Detection wins security screening equipment contract for
Canadian nuclear facility" (25 February 2004)
Smiths Detection
http://www.smithsdetection.com/PressRelease.asp?autonum=9&bhcp=1

- justaskscott


Search strategy --

Searched on Google News for:

"cn tower" security

Searched on Google Web Search for:

"cn tower" "smiths detection"

Thanks!  You made it look so easy to find the answer!