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A mix of rust and aluminum powder, better known as thermite, is "the greatest potential incendiary threat to aviation," according to an FBI report via a classified document obtained by The Intercept.
What's more, sources claim that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration isn't prepared to respond to the threat thermite poses.
"The ignition of a thermite-based incendiary device on an aircraft at altitude could result in catastrophic damage and the death of every person onboard," states a December 2014 TSA document, which goes on to note that the devices "are easily assembled and concealable" and that current screening procedures "would likely not recognize" them.
Even more disconcerting, the TSA warns that today's onboard extinguishers would likely create a violent reaction, including toxic fumes and thick black smoke.
According to Jana Winter of The Intercept, 2011 FBI testing contributed to the TSA warning.
But while TSA agents and air marshals are at an obvious disadvantage, the feasibility of a thermite attack is seemingly up for debate.
University of Rhode Island chemistry professor Jimmie Oxley, who qualifies as an expert in explosives and the detection of them, acknowledges that thermite is a theoretical threat to air safety, but points out that it's unlikely to be snuck past security considering the person detonating it would need to be carrying an igniter.
"You've got to get a pound of something that is a really thick mass through security without anyone noticing," said Oxley. "I find that hard to believe."
Plus, according to Oxley, igniting a thermite-based device is also somewhat impractical.
"Somebody has to give you time to play on the plane," said Oxley. "Like with the shoe bomber, people do notice if you're doing something weird in this day and age."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined to address the thermite threat with The Intercept, but did provide assurance for air travelers.
"Today, all air travelers are subject to a robust security system that employs multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen, including: intelligence gathering and analysis, cross-checking passenger manifests against watchlists, thorough screening at checkpoints, random canine team screening at airports, reinforced cockpit doors, Federal Air Marshals, armed pilots and a vigilant public," said DHS spokesman S.Y. Lee.
"In combination, these layers provide enhanced security, creating a much stronger and protected transportation system for the traveling public. TSA continually assesses and evaluates the current threat environment and will adjust security measures as necessary to ensure the highest levels of aviation security without unnecessary disruption to travelers."
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