Full-body x-ray scanners used to search passengers at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport have been shut down on orders of the government.

The Ministry of Environment Protection banned the use of x-ray scanners at the airport earlier this week, announcing that all “makers, sellers and users of x-ray body scanners should acquire official approval to ensure public safety.”

Further use of the scanners at Chinese security checkpoints are unlikely as the ministry also said that “large-scale use of radiation equipment among the public is prohibited.”

Public outcry over the use of x-ray scanners at the airport preceded the ban. Citizens have complained that the airport did not post any signs warning the public about potential health risks.

The West China Metropolis Daily reported Wednesday that x-ray scanners were still in use at the Chengdu East Railway Station. The paper noted that children, pregnant women and elderly passengers were warned by a notice not to go through the scanner, and were instead searched by a security guard.

The manufacturer of the scanner previously claimed its products were the result of joint efforts by scientists at China’s leading research institutes and experts from the Ministry of Public Security.

X-ray machines are commonly used at security checkpoints throughout China, but its use is restricted to checking items and luggage.