Jazmin Li
There are various types of airport security scanners, including metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines. Some of these machines use ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms, while others use non-ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule or cause them to vibrate but not enough to remove electrons. There is some concern that the radiation from airport scanners may damage certain items, such as film and magnetic tape recordings. However, opinions vary, and some sources claim that the amount of magnetism required to affect magnetic tape is far beyond what is used in airport scanners. Additionally, the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health ensures that all x-ray systems and other radiation-emitting equipment are built to use radiation safely and are correctly calibrated and maintained. Overall, while there may be some risk of damage to certain items when passing through airport scanners, the likelihood and extent of such damage are uncertain, and there are safety measures in place to protect both travelers and their belongings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Damage caused by airport scanners | X-rays are not inherently magnetic and do not damage recorded tapes. However, there is a small amount of magnetic energy as a byproduct of X-rays, which is not enough to damage VHS tapes. |
| Damage caused by other factors | Conveyor belt motors might damage tapes. |
| Preventing damage | Keeping tapes in carry-on bags is recommended. Making a backup of media is also suggested. |
| Other factors to consider | Tape reels are metal, so security may pull you aside for a search. |
| Effect of scanners on other magnetic materials | Scanners can damage unprocessed film. |
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What You'll Learn
- X-ray machines are used to scan luggage and carry-on items
- The scanners use ionizing radiation to identify hidden objects
- Magnetic fields and radiation can damage magnetically recorded material
- There is no danger to digitally formatted media, like video tapes
- Analog media, like photographs, are more vulnerable to radiation
X-ray machines are used to scan luggage and carry-on items
X-ray scanners emit varying levels of radiation, depending on the type of machine. Backscatter X-ray scanners, for example, emit low-level X-rays to produce 2D images and are used to scan individuals for items that may be hidden under their clothing. Cabinet X-ray systems, on the other hand, are used to screen luggage and carry-on items. These machines have thick walls and lead curtains to prevent radiation from escaping.
It is important to note that X-ray machines can damage certain items, such as film and VHS tapes. While modern carry-on X-ray systems are considered film-safe, the high-energy X-ray systems used for checked baggage can damage film. Similarly, while X-rays are not inherently magnetic, there is some magnetic energy produced as a byproduct, which could potentially affect VHS tapes. However, the risk of damage to VHS tapes is low, and there is no danger to digitally formatted media.
To protect their items, passengers are advised to keep their VHS tapes and film in their carry-on luggage, where they are less likely to be affected by X-ray scanners. Additionally, individuals can request hand-checks for their film by placing it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch and keeping it easily accessible. By following these guidelines, passengers can ensure the safe passage of their items through airport security.
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The scanners use ionizing radiation to identify hidden objects
Airport security systems use various methods to ensure safety, including metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. Some of these devices, such as metal detectors, use non-ionizing radiation to scan for hidden items. Non-ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to move atoms within a molecule or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons from atoms. Millimeter wave machines, for example, use non-ionizing radiofrequency waves to detect threats like guns and knives. They emit far less energy than a cell phone.
On the other hand, some screening equipment uses ionizing radiation, which has a much higher energy level and can knock electrons out of atoms, a process known as ionization. Airports use this type of radiation to scan passengers and their luggage. Backscatter passenger scanners, for instance, can detect threats like weapons or explosives hidden under clothing. These machines use very low-energy X-rays that are reflected back to the scanner. The amount of radiation from a backscatter machine is comparable to the cosmic radiation one would experience during two minutes of flight, and the health risks are extremely low.
To ensure the safety of travellers and workers, safety measures are implemented to prevent exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation. The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) ensures that all X-ray systems and radiation-emitting equipment are designed to use radiation safely and are properly calibrated and maintained.
While these scanners are generally safe, certain items, such as film and video tapes, can be damaged by the magnetic fields and radiation emitted by the machines. To protect sensitive media, individuals are advised to request a manual inspection or hand-check, which some airports offer. Keeping media in carry-on luggage and using "Do Not X-Ray" pouches can also help prevent potential damage.
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Magnetic fields and radiation can damage magnetically recorded material
X-rays produce some magnetic energy as a byproduct, but it is not enough to damage VHS tapes. However, light and radiation can cause significant damage to information recorded on photographs, negatives, and slides. Older formats of tapes should be prioritised for carry-on luggage as they have a lower threshold for magnetic damage than newer formats.
Checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. Carry-on X-ray scanners, on the other hand, use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. However, it is still recommended to request a hand check for film to be safe.
To protect magnetically recorded material when travelling, it is recommended to keep them in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. Additionally, creating backups of media and storing them separately from other items is advisable. When transporting magnetic media, temperatures should not exceed 110° F (43° C), and proper winding of tape reels can help prevent damage.
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There is no danger to digitally formatted media, like video tapes
There is no need to worry about digitally formatted media, like video tapes, when passing through airport security. X-rays are not inherently magnetic, and while there is some magnetic energy as a byproduct, it is not enough to damage your video tapes. This means that digitally formatted media, like video tapes, are safe from the radiation emitted by the scanners.
However, it is recommended to keep video tapes out of checked baggage and instead pack them in carry-on luggage. This is because checked bags go through more powerful scanners that can cause irreversible damage to video tapes. Additionally, it is always a good idea to make a backup of your media before travelling, in case of loss or damage.
It is worth noting that while video tapes are not affected by airport scanners, other types of media such as film, photographs, negatives, and slides are more vulnerable. These types of media are created using a chemical reaction, and the light and radiation from airport scanners can damage the information recorded on them. As a result, it is recommended to request a hand-check for these items when passing through airport security.
While video tapes themselves are not affected by airport scanners, the conveyer belt motors have been known to cause issues with recorded tapes. Therefore, it is advisable to keep recorded tapes with you in your carry-on luggage rather than putting them through the baggage scanner. Additionally, due to their shape and material, metal reels may prompt additional security checks, so be prepared for the possibility of a manual inspection.
Overall, while there is no danger to digitally formatted media like video tapes when passing through airport scanners, it is always a good idea to take precautions such as keeping them in your carry-on luggage and making backup copies.
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Analog media, like photographs, are more vulnerable to radiation
While airport security scanners pose a threat to all forms of media, analog media, such as photographs, are particularly vulnerable to radiation. This is because they are often made of materials that are sensitive to radiation and magnetic fields.
Photographic film, for instance, contains light-sensitive chemicals that react to different intensities of light. When exposed to radiation, these chemicals can be affected, potentially damaging the image. Similarly, VHS tapes store data in the form of tiny magnetic particles arranged in a pattern. While the force holding these particles in place is strong, it can still be disrupted by the magnetic fields and radiation present in airport scanners.
To protect your analog media when travelling, there are several precautions you can take. Firstly, always carry your media with you in your carry-on luggage instead of checking it in. This way, you can ensure that your media is not exposed to unnecessary risks and that it is handled with care. Secondly, inquire beforehand if the airport offers manual inspections. If they do, request this option for your media, allowing yourself extra time to get through security. Alternatively, check the ISO rating of your film; if it's under 800, it's likely safe to pass through the scanners. Finally, it is always recommended to make backups of your media before travelling, so you can ensure that your precious memories are safe even in the unlikely event that your originals are damaged.
While the risk of damage to analog media from airport scanners is relatively low, taking these simple precautions can provide peace of mind and ensure the safe passage of your valuable photographs, videos, and films through airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take tape through an airport scanner. X-rays do not damage or erase recorded tape, and the amount of magnetism required to affect tape is far beyond what is used in airport scanners. However, if you are concerned, you can always ask for your tape to be manually inspected.
It is recommended that you carry your tape on the plane with you, rather than putting it in your hold luggage. This is because there have been reports of tapes getting erased when they have gone through checked baggage security.
Airports use a variety of screening equipment to keep people safe, including metal detectors, backscatter x-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet x-ray machines. Some of these machines use ionizing radiation to identify objects that may be hidden, while others use non-ionizing radiation to detect threats.
