Lagos — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States is deploying enhanced explosives detection screening tools across airports to screen powdered substances carried by passengers.

The technology which was piloted in 2008 by the TSA and acting TSA administrator Gale Rossides is a powder explosive detection kits and will be installed at checkpoints as part of efforts to enhance and strengthen security.

TSA officials, who operate in 450 airports in the US, will use X-ray technology to analyse substances that may require screening with a powder test kit.

The test kit will be used to sample powder before it gets to the secure baggage area section. Airports across the UK are currently conducting trials of airport scanners that can identify liquid explosives in hand baggage.

The EU is testing scanning technology at various locations across the continent, including several UK airports, in an attempt to ease the stringent rules on taking liquids onto aircraft.

The restrictions were first enforced three years ago after a bomb plot was foiled in the UK, which has since seen British airports spend millions on enhancing security.

According to existing rules, passengers are allowed to carry liquids in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml.

The rule has resulted in the confiscation of thousands of tons of liquids including deodorants, shampoo and alcohol.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said that while trials were being conducted in Europe, EU-wide constraints will remain effective as liquid explosives were still a serious threat.