Lois Larson
Travelling with film can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to passing through airport security. Many photographers worry about their films being damaged or fogged by X-ray machines and CT scanners. Films with an ISO of 800 or higher are more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be prone to damage, whereas films with an ISO under 800 are generally considered safe to pass through X-ray scanners, even multiple times. However, some sources suggest that even films with an ISO of 400 can be affected by X-rays, with visible damage occurring. To avoid any potential issues, photographers can request hand inspections of their films or pack them in lead-lined bags for added protection.
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines can expose film
X-ray film is made up of several layers, including an emulsion layer that contains light-sensitive silver halide crystals. When X-rays or light strike these crystals, they undergo a chemical change, creating a "latent image". With multiple exposures to X-rays, more silver atoms are produced, leading to the formation of black, metallic silver, which appears as fogging or noise on the developed film. This process is known as fogging, and it can ruin images by reducing or obliterating shadow detail and causing colour shifts.
The higher the ISO rating of the film, the more sensitive it is to X-rays. Films with an ISO rating of 800 or higher are particularly at risk of damage from X-ray scanners. However, even films with lower ISO ratings can be affected, especially if they are exposed to X-rays multiple times. Some photographers recommend hand-checking film whenever possible to avoid potential damage from X-ray machines.
To minimise the risk of damage, some photographers use lead bags to protect their film. However, lead bags are heavy and may not provide complete protection against X-ray exposure. Additionally, checked luggage goes through stronger X-ray machines, so carrying film in a lead bag inside checked luggage may not be effective.
While X-ray machines can expose film, the impact may be minimal and sometimes undetectable, especially for black-and-white film. Some photographers have reported sending ISO 400 film through airport X-ray machines with no noticeable effects. However, others have experienced fogging or other types of damage, even with films of ISO 200 or below. Therefore, it is advisable to take precautions when travelling with film, such as hand-checking or using lead bags, to minimise the risk of X-ray exposure.
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CT scanners can damage film
While there are differing accounts of the extent of damage that CT scanners can cause to films, it is widely acknowledged that CT scanners can indeed damage films.
CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. This means that CT scanners are more powerful and precise but emit a higher radiation dose than traditional X-ray scanners. Traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to pass through an object and create an image on the other side. The "old" X-ray scanners have a power limit, whereas CT scanners can go around in circles as many times as the security staff wants, causing immense damage to the film. The increased radiation dose emitted by CT scanners can cause a substantial loss of detail in the shadows, mostly in images with a tight exposure and a significant amount of grain. This results in fogging, distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation.
The impact of CT scanners on film varies depending on the film's ISO rating. Films with an ISO rating of 800 or higher are more susceptible to damage from CT scanners. Films with an ISO rating of 200 or lower are less likely to be affected. However, even films with an ISO of 400 can be impacted. One source mentions that their tests showed that at 400 ISO, the base fog is progressing, present at borderline usable levels, and the fog starts to visibly ruin the film. Another source mentions that their rolls of Fujicolor 200 and Kodak T-Max 100 turned out fine after passing through a CT scanner, but the images already on the take-up spool in the camera were ruined.
To minimize the risk of damage to your film when passing through airport security, you can request a hand check for your film. However, it is important to note that some airports may refuse to perform hand checks. Alternatively, you can use a film protector bag, such as a leaded Domke flight film pouch, to provide some protection for your film.
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TSA hand checks
When going through airport security, a TSA agent may swab your hands and luggage to test for traces of explosives. This is done randomly at security checkpoints and airport gates. The swab is analysed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. If your hands test positive for explosive material, you may face further questions and a more extensive search of your baggage. However, testing positive for certain chemicals is not a crime and could be due to your profession or hobbies.
TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate certain items from carry-on bags, such as food, powders, and mats. They may also ask you to power up your electronic devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
In most cases, food or snacks such as fruit, health bars, and sandwiches can remain inside your carry-on bag. There are special instructions for liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items. A TSA officer will be available to guide you through the process.
If you are travelling with film, it is recommended to get it hand-checked by TSA if possible. X-ray machines can potentially damage film, especially at ISO ratings above 400. However, some travellers have reported no issues with 400 ISO film being X-rayed multiple times. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
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Carrying film in a lead-lined bag
If you choose to carry your film in a lead-lined bag, it is recommended that you also use ""Do Not X-ray" stickers,", which can be placed on your bag to warn TSA agents and shippers of the potential damage that X-rays can cause to your film. It is also a good idea to request a hand inspection of your film to completely avoid X-ray exposure. However, keep in mind that some airport security personnel may refuse to conduct a hand inspection, and they may ask you to remove the film from the lead-lined bag for X-ray screening.
When travelling with film, it is generally recommended to use clear plastic bags, such as Ziploc bags, instead of lead-lined bags. This helps airport security personnel identify the contents of your bag more easily and may reduce the likelihood of additional screening. Additionally, consider the sensitivity of your film. Black-and-white film is generally less sensitive to X-rays than colour film, and lower ISO films (below 800) are less likely to be affected by X-ray exposure.
If you are travelling with a large quantity of high-speed film or IR film, a lead-lined bag may be beneficial. In this case, it is essential to communicate your concerns to airport security staff and request alternative screening methods if necessary. However, keep in mind that lead-lined bags can be heavy and inconvenient to carry.
Overall, while lead-lined bags can offer some protection for your film during airport security screening, they may also attract additional scrutiny. It is important to use them discreetly and in combination with other protective measures, such as requesting hand inspections and using appropriate labels and stickers.
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Airports refusing hand checks
While some sources suggest that films with an ISO rating of 800 or lower are not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines at airport security, it is still recommended to request a hand inspection for undeveloped film. This can be done by simply informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and requesting a manual inspection. However, there have been instances where airport security has refused to conduct hand checks for films with an ISO of 400, which is considered a "borderline" rating.
In such cases, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with exposing your film to airport X-ray scanners. While carry-on X-ray scanners typically use lower levels of radiation and may not harm film under 800 ISO, CT scanners can cause serious visible damage to films with an ISO rating of 200 or higher, especially after multiple scans.
To mitigate the risk of damage to your film, it is recommended to use a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch, which clearly communicates your request to the TSA. These pouches are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a zipper and a clear label, making them ideal for airport security. Additionally, consider placing your film in a ziplock bag or requesting a hand inspection, especially if your trip involves multiple flights or airport transfers.
It is worth noting that black-and-white film is generally less sensitive to X-rays than color film. If you are travelling with black-and-white film, any potential effect on 400 ISO film from the scanner is likely to be minimal and may not be noticeable. However, color film is more susceptible to damage, as the purple color left by the X-ray can be difficult to distinguish.
While some airports may refuse hand checks, it is important to take precautions to protect your undeveloped film. Using the recommended pouches and bags, as well as understanding the sensitivity of your specific film type, can help ensure the best possible outcome when travelling with film through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 400 ISO film can go through airport security without being damaged. However, some people have reported that their 400 ISO film has been damaged by airport security scanners. To be safe, you can request a hand inspection of your film or pack it in a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage.
The best way to get 400 ISO film through airport security is to request a hand inspection. This will ensure that your film is not damaged by X-ray or CT scanners. If you are unable to get a hand inspection, you can pack your film in a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage.
The safest way to pack 400 ISO film for air travel is to pack it in a clear, easily accessible pouch in your carry-on bag. You can also pack it in a lead-lined bag to protect it from X-ray radiation. Label the pouch with your name and phone number, and consider arriving at the airport 30 minutes early to allow for the inspection process.
It is unlikely that 400 ISO film will be damaged by standard X-ray scanners. However, it is important to note that CT scanners can cause visible damage to 400 ISO film, even after one or two passes. If you are concerned about your film being damaged, you can request a hand inspection or pack it in a lead-lined bag.
