Sachin Walls
Travelling with film can be a stressful experience for photographers, who have long been warned about the potentially harmful effects of exposing their film to airport X-ray scanners. While some sources claim that X-rays are harmless to film below ISO 800, others argue that even lower ISO films can be damaged, especially after multiple exposures. In addition, newer CT scanners, which use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image, emit a much higher dose of radiation and are said to cause fogging, distortion, and image degradation to unprocessed film. While some photographers have reported no issues with their film after passing it through X-ray scanners, others have experienced intimidating episodes with airport security staff when requesting hand checks. So, can airport X-rays ruin film? The answer is a definitive maybe.
Can Airport X-Ray Ruin Film?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport X-ray ruin film? | Yes, some X-rays can ruin film. |
| Carry-on luggage scanners | Carry-on luggage scanners use a very low level of radiation and are typically safe for film under ISO 800. |
| Checked baggage scanners | Checked baggage scanners use higher levels of radiation and can damage film. |
| CT scanners | CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image and emit a higher dose of radiation. They can cause fogging, distortion, and image degradation to unprocessed film. |
| Lead-lined bags | Lead-lined bags can block standard X-rays but are ineffective against CT scanners, which can see through the lead and cause more damage to the film. |
| Hand checks | Requesting a hand check is the safest way to protect your film. Let the TSA agent know you have photographic film and ask for a manual inspection. |
| Do Not X-Ray Film Pouches | Using a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch or a clear ziplock bag can help identify your film for manual inspection. |
| Mailing film | Some companies offer prepaid mailers to send exposed film directly to them, avoiding the need to bring film through airport security. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can ruin some films, but not all
X-rays can damage some films, but not all. The new CT scanners, which are becoming increasingly common in airports, particularly in the US, use a higher level of radiation and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Traditional X-ray machines, on the other hand, use a much lower level of radiation and are generally considered safe for film under ISO 800. However, even with traditional X-ray machines, there is a chance that the film could be affected, especially if it is put through the machine multiple times.
Some people who have travelled with film have reported no issues with traditional X-ray machines, while others have noticed some damage, such as fogging, distortion, and image degradation. It is important to note that the risk of damage also depends on the type of film and its ISO speed. Films with an ISO of 800 or lower are generally considered safe from traditional X-ray machines, while films with a higher ISO may be more susceptible to damage.
To minimise the risk of damage, it is recommended to keep film in your carry-on luggage and request a hand check instead of putting it through the X-ray machine. Some people also recommend using a lead-lined film bag to protect your film from X-rays, but these bags may not be effective against the stronger CT scanners. Another option is to use a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch to make it clear to security personnel that your film should not be scanned.
Overall, while X-rays can potentially damage some types of film, the risk of damage depends on various factors such as the type of scanner, the type of film, and the ISO speed. Taking precautions such as requesting a hand check and using appropriate film pouches can help minimise the risk of damage when travelling with film.
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CT scanners are more damaging than traditional X-ray machines
Due to the higher radiation dose, CT scanners can be more damaging to unprocessed film than traditional X-ray machines. In fact, just one pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll of film. However, traditional X-ray machines used to scan carry-on luggage employ a very low level of radiation and are therefore unlikely to cause any damage to film rated 800 ISO or lower.
Despite the potential for damage, most airports still use traditional X-ray machines in the TSA pre-check line and for carry-on luggage. This means that, in most cases, film photographers can avoid potential damage by requesting a hand check and placing their film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
While the benefits of CT scanning usually outweigh the risks when it comes to medical imaging, patients should still be aware of their cumulative radiation exposure and only undergo CT scans when necessary.
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Hand-checks are the best way to protect your film
While some sources claim that X-ray scanners at airports cannot harm film under ISO 800, others argue that even lower ISO films can be damaged by the radiation. The newer CT scanners, in particular, are said to cause fogging, distortion, and image degradation to unprocessed film due to their higher radiation output.
Given the uncertainty and the potential for damage, it is recommended to take precautions when travelling with film. One option is to use a lead-lined bag to protect the film from X-rays. However, these bags are ineffective against CT scanners, and they may prompt airport staff to manually inspect the bag's contents.
A more reliable method to protect your film is to request a hand-check. This involves informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and asking for a manual inspection. Hand-checks are usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports, and they ensure that your film is not exposed to any radiation.
- Remove film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time.
- Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
- Keep the film easily accessible in a carry-on bag.
- Never put film in checked baggage, as it will be exposed to stronger X-ray scanners.
- Consider mailing exposed film directly to a processing lab before flying home.
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Lead-lined film bags are ineffective against CT scanners
It is important to note that lead-lined film bags are not a reliable method to protect film from damage when passing through airport security. While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are now commonly used in airports. CT scanners emit significantly more powerful X-rays, which can penetrate lead and cause damage to unprocessed film.
CT scanners are becoming increasingly prevalent in airports, particularly in the United States. These scanners employ high-powered X-rays that can cause immediate and irreversible harm to film. Even the most advanced processing labs cannot repair film that has been fogged by these scanners. As a result, photographers must be cautious when travelling with unprocessed film.
When a lead-lined film bag is detected in carry-on luggage, TSA agents will typically request that the bag be removed for inspection. This defeats the purpose of using a lead-lined bag, as the film is then exposed to the scanner regardless. Consequently, photographers are advised to request a hand-check for their film, which is a safer and more effective method of protection. TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests, particularly in the United States.
In some cases, photographers have reported being asked to empty the contents of their lead-lined bags, even when they specifically requested a hand-check. This can occur when airport security is unable to see through the lead-lined bag, prompting them to remove the contents for separate scanning. Therefore, relying solely on lead-lined bags to protect film can be risky.
To summarise, lead-lined film bags are not a guaranteed solution to protect film from damage by airport CT scanners. While they can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against the stronger X-rays emitted by CT scanners. Photographers are advised to be cautious and request hand-checks whenever possible to ensure the safety of their unprocessed film.
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Some airports use CT scanners for carry-on luggage
CT scanners are becoming an increasingly common feature of airport security. These scanners use X-rays to create detailed tomograms (slices) of bags, calculating the mass and density of individual items. This allows the scanners to identify hazardous objects, as well as weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. CT scanners are slower than traditional X-ray scanners, so they are often used to scan checked baggage, which is sent through the scanner if a passenger or their ticket is flagged as potentially suspicious.
CT scanners are also being used to scan carry-on luggage at some airports. These scanners are smaller and more convenient, allowing for faster and more accurate threat detection. They can identify electrical components, even at oblique angles, meaning passengers no longer need to remove items like laptops and electronic devices from their carry-on bags. This helps to reduce queue times at security checkpoints.
The introduction of CT scanners at airports has also led to relaxed liquid limits, with passengers allowed to carry larger quantities of liquids, although these limits vary between countries. For example, in the UK, passengers in airports equipped with CT technology are allowed to carry up to 2 liters of liquid.
While CT scanners offer many benefits to passengers, there are some concerns about their use. Film photographers, in particular, have raised worries that the powerful X-rays used in CT scanners could damage their unprocessed film. However, opinions vary on this matter, with some sources claiming that only film with an ISO rating above 800 is likely to be affected, while others state that even film under ISO 800 can be harmed by CT scanners. As a result, photographers are advised to request a hand check for their film when going through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport X-rays can ruin films. Traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to create an image, while CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image. CT scanners are much stronger and can ruin your film. However, most current machines used for carry-on luggage scanning use a very mild dose of X-rays that are unlikely to damage films under ISO 800.
You can protect your film by requesting a hand check or manual inspection. Place your film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch and keep it in the side pocket of your carry-on. Make it easily accessible for inspection.
If you put your film through an X-ray machine, there may be a light fog over the film, with weird patterns that look like light leaks. The fogging and distortion are due to the higher radiation dose emitted by the X-ray machine.
