Airport Security Explosives Detecting

[imp]

A nice security lady at K.C. airport was kind enough to rattle off the types of explosives her "sniffer" could detect while circling the perimeter of my closed carry-on bag.

 

Seemed they were all nitrate-based compounds, as common explosives tend to be. However, there are many which are different in structure, notably peroxides and various cyclic compounds.

 

Has anyone had a similar screening experience, or perhaps worse, one with medically-prescribed nitroglycerin tablets for heart trouble, which resulted in a boarding "hassle"?

 

Do you feel it was wise that the security person reveal types screened for?

 

Just curious about the effectiveness, and even advisability of, today's security paranoia in general. imp