Age-check X-rays risk harming child asylum seekers, government warned

Advisers say biological tests carry physical and mental risks and cannot predict age precisely

Plans to use X-rays to check the age of children seeking asylum could put them at risk of harm from radiation and cause distress, official government advisers have warned.

The scientific advisory committee tasked with considering changes to the assessment of people who have crossed the Channel and are suspected of lying about their age, also told ministers and officials no checks would be able to predict a person’s age “with precision”.

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​Advisers say biological tests carry physical and mental risks and cannot predict age preciselyPlans to use X-rays to check the age of children seeking asylum could put them at risk of harm from radiation and cause distress, official government advisers have warned.The scientific advisory committee tasked with considering changes to the assessment of people who have crossed the Channel and are suspected of lying about their age, also told ministers and officials no checks would be able to predict a person’s age “with precision”. Continue reading…