Ruth Haines
There is a lot of debate about the potential damage that X-ray scanners at airports can cause to camera gear. While some claim that X-ray scanners have damaged their camera sensors, lenses, and SD cards, others argue that the dosage is low and short enough to pose a negligible risk. Some recommend using lead-lined bags to protect camera gear from radiation, but others advise against it as it may prompt security to increase the power of the X-ray machine, potentially causing more harm. So, can camera gear go through X-ray scanners at airports? The answer is yes, but with caution. It is recommended to keep camera gear in carry-on luggage and request a hand-check to avoid potential damage.
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can damage film cameras
X-ray scanners used in airport security have evolved over time, and the newer CT scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. According to Kodak Alaris, Ilford, and Fujifilm, a single pass through a CT scanner can damage any speed film. Additionally, older X-ray machines used higher intensity radiation, which could darken films faster. As a result, there is a higher risk of damage to film cameras when passing through the newer CT scanners.
To avoid any potential damage to film cameras, it is recommended to request a hand-check or manual inspection by a TSA agent. Most U.S. agents are accommodating, especially if the film is easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. However, international travelers may find that the willingness to accommodate such requests varies by country.
Alternatively, travelers can choose to ship their film separately using commercial carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, although there is still a risk of customs authorities using X-ray scanners. Labeling the package as "light-sensitive materials" can help reduce this risk.
While X-rays can have some impact on digital camera sensors, the effect is considered negligible. However, there have been rare instances of airport X-ray scanners damaging digital cameras, SD cards, and phone screens. To minimize the risk of damage to digital camera equipment, it is recommended to keep them in hand luggage rather than checked baggage, as the technology used for screening checked luggage may be less advanced and more likely to cause issues.
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Digital cameras are mostly safe from X-rays
Digital cameras are safer than film cameras when it comes to X-rays. Film cameras are affected by X-rays due to their light sensitivity, but digital cameras are less sensitive to light, so X-rays are less likely to affect them. That being said, some sources note that airport X-ray scanners have damaged their digital cameras and SD cards.
X-ray scanners at airports are designed to use low-level radiation to minimise the risk of damage to electronic devices. However, there is still a very small risk that flash memory could be affected. The risk is greater when flying over the poles, where radiation exposure is higher.
To be extra cautious, you can ask for your camera to be manually checked instead of passing it through an X-ray scanner. In the US, TSA agents are usually happy to accommodate this request. Alternatively, you can keep your camera with you on the plane as a carry-on item.
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Hand-checks are recommended for film cameras
While airport X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for digital cameras, the same cannot be said for film cameras. The new high-powered CT scanners used for carry-on luggage in US airports can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Even one pass through a CT scanner can ruin a roll of film.
For this reason, hand-checks are recommended for film cameras. TSA agents are usually accommodating of hand-check requests, especially if you have your film out of its packaging and easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray Film Pouch." It's also important to note that film should never be placed in checked baggage, as checked bags go through even more powerful CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage.
If you're travelling with a film camera, it's best to keep it with your carry-on luggage and request a hand-check. This way, you can avoid the risk of damaging your film. While some sources claim that X-raying film may not cause noticeable damage, especially with black and white film, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Additionally, some airports have started to implement warning stickers that can be placed on your film to indicate that it should not be X-rayed. These stickers can be printed at home and attached to the plastic bag containing your film. This is another way to ensure your film stays safe without needing a hand-check.
In summary, if you're travelling with a film camera, it's recommended to keep it with your carry-on luggage, have your film easily accessible, and request a hand-check or use a warning sticker to indicate that your film should not be X-rayed. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your film stays safe during airport security checks.
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Lead-lined bags are not recommended
While lead-lined bags used to be an option for protecting film from radiation, they are no longer recommended for several reasons. Firstly, lead-lined bags are ineffective against CT scanners, which are now commonly used in airport security. These scanners use much stronger X-rays that can penetrate lead, resulting in potential damage to your film. Secondly, due to security concerns, TSA agents may not allow items in lead bags to pass through without inspection. If they cannot see through a lead-lined bag, they may remove its contents and scan them separately, or increase the power of the X-ray machine, which could harm your equipment.
Additionally, some sources suggest that the use of lead-lined bags may prompt TSA agents to pay closer attention to your belongings, potentially increasing the likelihood of more thorough inspections or higher radiation exposure for your gear. This could defeat the purpose of using a lead-lined bag in the first place.
Instead of relying on lead-lined bags, it is generally recommended to request a hand check or manual inspection of your camera gear. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if you have your film easily accessible in a clear plastic ziplock bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch. This way, you can ensure your equipment avoids exposure to X-rays altogether, reducing the risk of any potential damage.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the impact of X-rays on digital camera sensors is generally considered to be negligible. While there have been rare reports of camera equipment being affected by airport X-ray scanners, the consensus is that it would take repeated exposure over several years to cause any noticeable damage to a digital imager's photosites. However, it is always advisable to keep your camera gear with you in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage is more likely to be subjected to higher-intensity CT scanners that can be more harmful.
In summary, lead-lined bags are not recommended for protecting camera gear at airport security due to their ineffectiveness against modern CT scanners and the potential for increased scrutiny and radiation exposure. Instead, requesting a hand check or manual inspection is a more reliable and effective method for safeguarding your equipment.
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X-rays are less harmful than checked baggage scanners
X-ray scanners are commonly used at airports to screen carry-on items and checked luggage. While X-rays do pose a small risk to camera gear, the risk is much lower compared to checked baggage scanners.
X-ray machines used at airports emit low-energy X-rays that are reflected back to the machine itself. The amount of radiation received from these machines is equivalent to the amount of cosmic radiation one would be exposed to during two minutes of flight, and the risk of adverse health effects is extremely low. Additionally, safety measures are in place to ensure that workers and travellers are not exposed to high levels of radiation.
The potential harm caused by X-rays to camera gear is negligible. While there may be some effect on digital camera sensors, it is so minimal that it is likely unmeasurable. One source suggests that it would take years of passing through an X-ray scanner several times a day to cause any noticeable damage to a camera's photosites.
Checked baggage scanners, on the other hand, are a much greater cause for concern. These scanners use CT (Computed Tomography) technology, which is far stronger than medical CT scanners and can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. Even lead-lined film bags, which can block standard X-rays, are ineffective against these scanners. Thus, it is recommended to always carry camera gear and other electronic devices in hand luggage and request a hand check if necessary.
In summary, while X-rays can have a small effect on camera gear, the risk is significantly lower compared to checked baggage scanners. To ensure the safety of your equipment, it is advisable to keep your camera gear with you in your carry-on luggage and avoid putting it through checked baggage scanners whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of camera. Digital cameras and digital camera sensors are generally resistant to X-rays, but there is a small chance that repeated exposure may affect the sensor. Film cameras, on the other hand, are more sensitive to X-rays, and it is recommended to request a hand-check for film when passing through security.
To request a hand-check, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and request a manual inspection. It is recommended to have your film easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
While lead-lined bags used to be recommended for protecting film from X-rays, they are no longer considered effective. X-ray operators may increase the power of the machine if they cannot see the items within the bag, potentially causing more damage to your film.
Yes, some airports offer expedited shipping services that bypass the need for X-ray scanners. Alternatively, you can consider mailing your exposed film directly to a photo lab before flying home.
