Experts have said that whole-body imaging scanners replacing traditional metal detectors at U. S. airports could make it easier rather than harder to smuggle contraband.

The Chicago Tribune reported on Saturday that the devices, which can see through clothing in a virtual strip-search, can pick out metals but they do not allay all the fears of security experts.

Rafi Sela, former chief security officer at the Israel Airport Authority, who is now a security consultant, said, "I can overcome the body scanners with enough explosives to bring down a Boeing 747."

The Tribune further said that scanners will not detect material concealed in the groin or in body cavities.

Douglas Laird, former head of security for Northwest Airlines, said, "You can get metallic items by that screening technology that you can't get by metal detectors."

The Transportation Security Administration has set a goal of installing 450 new machines by the end of the year and 1,800 by the end of 2014.

The Tribune also said that according to a Government Accountability Office, body scanners rely on TSA employees to read images accurately and tests show many X-ray screeners miss threats.

One official further noted that the rate of detection for baggage X-rays is "disastrously low, and it's no better than it was on 9/11, that's the scary thing." (With Inputs from Agencies)