Jazmin Li
Instant film can be damaged by airport security scanners, which use radiation to create an image of the contents of a bag. Traditional X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO, but the newer and more powerful CT scanners can damage even film under 800 ISO. To avoid any damage, photographers are advised to keep their undeveloped film in a carry-on bag and request a hand check.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can instant film be damaged in airport security? | Yes, instant film can be damaged in airport security. |
| Types of scanners | Traditional X-ray scanners, CT scanners |
| Effect of traditional X-ray scanners on instant film | Traditional X-ray scanners use a lower level of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. |
| Effect of CT scanners on instant film | CT scanners use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object, emitting a higher dose of radiation that can damage instant film. |
| Ways to protect instant film when passing through airport security | Request a hand-check, use a clear plastic bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, keep film in carry-on luggage, unload film from cameras before passing through security |
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What You'll Learn
Instant film can be damaged by CT scanners
To avoid damage, it is recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and request a hand check instead of passing it through the X-ray machine. You can also place your film in a clear plastic bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch to make it easier for security to check your film. If you have film loaded in a camera, make sure they know not to open the back of the camera to avoid fogging the film.
It is important to note that traditional X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage typically use a mild dose of X-rays that is unlikely to damage film under 800 ISO. However, CT scanners can damage film even under 800 ISO, and the damage increases with each pass through the scanner.
When travelling with instant film, it is best to be cautious and request a hand check whenever possible to avoid any potential damage to your film.
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X-ray machines are unlikely to damage film under 800 ISO
Carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. However, it is still recommended to request a hand-check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. While a simple ziplock bag works, a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch is recommended as it is more durable and clearly labelled, making your request easier for TSA agents to understand.
Although X-ray machines are unlikely to damage film under 800 ISO, CT scanners can cause serious damage to film even at this level. CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in U.S. airports and, unlike traditional X-ray machines, they are significantly more powerful. Even one pass through a CT scanner can damage film under 800 ISO, so it is important to be diligent in asking for hand-inspections and checking ahead of time to see if your airport is using a CT scanner.
To be extra careful, you can mark your film with the following text: "DO NOT X-RAY. IF X-RAY IS MANDATORY, DO NOT SHIP/DO NOT X-RAY/CONTACT SENDER URGENTLY: (your contact information)". It is also important to note that luggage going into the hold of the plane will be X-rayed with harsher machines than hand luggage, so it is recommended to always keep film in your carry-on luggage.
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Carry film in hand luggage
Instant film can be damaged by airport security scanners. The new CT scanners, which are becoming more common in airports, are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to unprocessed film. Traditional X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for film under 800 ISO, but CT scanners can damage even film under this ISO threshold.
To avoid damaging your instant film when travelling by plane, it is recommended to carry it in your hand luggage and request a hand check at security. Here are some tips for carrying film in your hand luggage:
- Keep your film in your hand luggage: Luggage that goes into the hold of the plane will be X-rayed with harsher machines than those used for carry-on bags.
- Use a clear plastic bag: Remove your film from its packaging and place it in a transparent ziplock bag. This makes it easier for security staff to check your film and ensures it can pass through security quickly.
- Request a hand check: Ask the security staff to hand-check your film instead of putting it through the X-ray machine. In the US, TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests. However, regulations vary by country, so there is no guarantee that international airports will honour your request.
- Check the type of scanner: Ask the security staff which type of scanner they are using if you are unsure. If it is a CT scanner, your film is more likely to be damaged.
- Wait to load your film: Consider waiting until you reach your destination to load your film. This makes it easier for your film to be hand-checked, and it reduces the risk of airport staff accidentally exposing your film if they open your camera during the security check.
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Request a hand check
Instant film can be damaged by airport security scanners, so it is recommended to request a hand check. While traditional X-ray scanners are usually safe for film under 800 ISO, the newer and more powerful CT scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, even at lower ISOs.
To request a hand check, first ensure your film is easily accessible and not in its packaging. Place it in a clear plastic bag, such as a ziplock bag, or a "`Do Not X-Ray`" pouch, which makes your request clear to security staff. Keep it in your carry-on bag, as luggage that goes into the hold will be scanned with harsher machines.
When you reach the security checkpoint, politely ask the attendant for a hand check. You can also ask which type of scanner is being used if you are unsure. It is recommended to keep an eye on the security staff as they check your film to ensure they do not accidentally expose it. For example, they may not understand what film is and could pull it all out of the canister, or open the back of your camera and fog the film.
While hand checks are not always possible, and there is a chance your film will not be damaged even if it goes through an X-ray machine, requesting a hand check is the best way to ensure your instant film is not damaged by airport security scanners.
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Traditional X-ray scanners are safer than CT scanners
Instant film can be damaged by airport security scanners, but traditional X-ray scanners are safer than CT scanners. CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports, particularly in the US, and they are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. CT scanners can cause serious damage to unprocessed film, even after just one pass through the machine.
Traditional X-ray scanners, on the other hand, typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. The TSA states that film less than 800 ISO can go through traditional X-ray machines without a problem. Some sources suggest that even film with 800 ISO or higher may not be affected by traditional X-ray machines, though it is always best to request a hand check if possible.
CT scanners create 3D images by taking multiple pictures at different angles, while traditional X-ray machines produce 2D images. This added level of detail means that CT scanners can detect abnormalities that may be missed by X-rays. However, the higher radiation dose of CT scanners also means that they pose a greater risk to sensitive items like film.
To protect your instant film when travelling through airport security, it is recommended to use a clear plastic bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch and politely request a hand-check. While lead-lined bags used to be an option for blocking X-rays, they are no longer recommended as they are ineffective against CT scanners and may prompt security staff to increase the power of the X-ray machine.
Overall, while both types of scanners carry some risk of damage to instant film, traditional X-ray scanners are generally safer than CT scanners due to their lower radiation levels and less detrimental effects on film.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport security can damage instant film. Traditional X-ray scanners are generally safe for film under 800 ISO, but the newer CT scanners can damage film of any ISO rating.
You can ask airport security for a hand check of your film to avoid putting it through an X-ray machine. It's recommended to keep your film in a clear plastic bag, easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.
Radiation from X-ray machines can cause fogging on negatives, resulting in a loss of detail, colour accuracy, and saturation. Photos may appear washed out, foggy, and with a pinkish hue.
Yes, you can use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which is more durable and clearly labelled. However, lead-lined bags are no longer recommended as they may cause security staff to increase the power of the X-ray machine.
No, not all airports use X-ray machines. CT scanners are typically used for checked luggage, but some airports are starting to use them for carry-on bags as well. You can ask airport security which type of scanner they are using.
