THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Department of Health established radiation exposure limits in January, limiting the allowable dosage to 0.25 millisieverts.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says the county had been operating the device at 2.0 msv, "one-eighth of the operating power," he said.

He blames the lower levels on less-clear images, allowing inmates to smuggle more drugs and other contraband into the jail.

"At some point in time you have to make a decision on risk and reward. I mean, we're saving people from the potential of long-term exposure to radiation by exposing them to fentanyl," Sanders said.

Two inmates died inside the jail this month. What caused the deaths is under investigation.

New inmates, except pregnant ones, can choose between an X-ray scan or spending time i

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