Lois Larson
X-ray scanners at airport security can potentially harm undeveloped Polaroid film. The scanners use radiation to zap saturation from undeveloped instant film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos with a reddish or pinkish hue. The higher the radiation, the less saturation, and the more severe the fog. X-rays used to inspect checked baggage are considered high-energy and can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. However, carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. To be safe, it is recommended to keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage and request a hand check to avoid X-ray scanners altogether.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport X-rays damage Polaroid film? | Yes, airport X-rays can damage undeveloped Polaroid film. |
| How to protect Polaroid film from damage? | Ask for a hand check or manual inspection instead of X-ray. |
| Can airport X-rays damage developed Polaroid film? | No, airport X-rays do not affect developed Polaroid film. |
| Can airport X-rays damage exposed Polaroid film? | No, airport X-rays do not affect exposed Polaroid film. |
| Carry-on baggage X-ray vs Checked baggage X-ray | Carry-on baggage X-rays are milder and less harmful to undeveloped film compared to checked baggage X-rays. |
| CT scanners | CT scanners are more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and can cause serious damage to undeveloped film. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can damage undeveloped Polaroid film
X-rays can potentially damage undeveloped Polaroid film. This is because undeveloped film is sensitive to light, as it has not yet been exposed. The X-ray may penetrate and expose the film, resulting in foggy photos with a pinkish or reddish hue. This damage is irreversible and cannot be fixed, even by the best processing labs.
However, it is important to note that not all X-ray scanners are the same. Carry-on X-ray scanners, for example, use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film under 800 ISO. Still, it is recommended to request a hand check for your film to be safe, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
Some airports have also installed new X-ray machines that use a higher dose of radiation, which can cause even more damage to undeveloped film. These machines can zap all the saturation from the film, resulting in washed-out, foggy photos.
To avoid potential damage, you can keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage and ask for a manual inspection instead of putting them through the X-ray machine. Most airports allow manual inspections of photographic equipment and film, and it is usually not a problem, especially in the US.
Additionally, you can use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch to make your request clearer to TSA agents. These pouches are made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and feature a "Do Not X-Ray" label, making them ideal for airport security.
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Carry-on luggage X-rays are milder
X-ray scanners in airport security do not affect developed film but can harm undeveloped film. The X-ray may penetrate and expose the film, resulting in random fog stripes or light patterns on the photos. The fog will become more severe if it goes through a high-energy X-ray scanner. Hence, it is recommended to pack undeveloped film or cameras with the film inside in carry-on baggage.
Carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not 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 Darkroom "Do Not X-Ray" Film Pouch is recommended. It is made of durable, see-through PVC mesh and features a zipper with a "Do Not X-Ray" label, making your request easier for TSA agents to understand.
If you are unsure about the X-ray machines at the airport, you can reach out to their customer service team to understand how to take instant film through security. If in doubt, keep your camera and undeveloped film in your carry-on bag and ask for a hand check with the attendant instead of avoiding the X-ray machine.
It is important to note that exposed film is totally fine to go through an X-ray, so you can put it in either carry-on or checked luggage when you travel.
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CT scanners can cause irreversible damage
Polaroid film can go through airport X-ray machines without causing significant damage to the film. While some people have reported a reddish or pinkish tint to their photos after putting Polaroid film through an X-ray machine, others have stated that they experienced no issues. Some airports specify that X-rays should only impact film above ISO 800, so Instax film may be affected, whereas iType and SX-70 are usually safe.
CT scanners, on the other hand, can pose a different set of considerations. While they are invaluable tools for healthcare providers to detect injuries and diseases, such as heart disease, appendicitis, and cancer, they do come with a very small potential risk. This risk is associated with the radiation exposure that CT scans entail. Radiation exposure is measured in units called millisieverts (mSv), and the typical range for a CT scan is between 1 and 10 mSv. To put this in context, the average person in the United States receives approximately 3 mSv of natural background radiation annually.
While the risk is minimal, it is theoretically estimated that there is a chance, perhaps less than 0.05 percent, or about one in 2,000, that an individual could develop cancer in the future due to the radiation exposure from a CT scan. This risk is considered justified when weighed against the clinical benefits of diagnosing or treating a potentially life-threatening condition. Healthcare providers carefully assess whether the benefits of a CT scan outweigh any potential risks for each patient.
It is important to note that the radiation dose from a CT scan can vary depending on the area of the body being scanned and the size of the patient. Additionally, advances in technology have helped reduce radiation doses, and healthcare providers work to optimize imaging by obtaining the best image with the lowest radiation dose. While CT scans are generally considered safe, patients should be aware of the potential risks and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
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Requesting a hand-check
While most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, it is always recommended to play it safe and request a hand check. Carry-on X-ray scanners typically don't harm film under 800 ISO, but requesting a hand check is a safer option, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
To request a hand check, simply inform the TSA agent that you're carrying photographic film and politely ask for a manual inspection. In most cases, especially at U.S. airports, they will be happy to accommodate your request. It is recommended to have your film easily accessible, preferably in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, which makes your request clearer to the TSA agents.
However, it's important to note that some travellers have reported instances where their request for a hand check was denied, and their film was forced through the X-ray machine. This seems to be more common outside the U.S., and travellers have expressed frustration over the lack of understanding for photographers' needs.
To avoid potential issues, it is advised to be assertive and knowledgeable about the potential damage X-rays can cause to undeveloped film. Additionally, considering alternatives such as using film mailers to bypass the TSA line altogether on your way home can be a convenient option to avoid the risk of X-ray damage.
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Developed film is safe from X-rays
X-rays can have a detrimental impact on unprocessed film. The effects of X-rays on film are cumulative, similar to extended exposures. As a result, unprocessed film may become fogged, and colours may be altered. However, developed film is safe from X-rays. X-rays are a type of light outside the visual spectrum, and their effects are only seen on unprocessed film.
If you are travelling with unprocessed film, there are several precautions you can take to minimise the risk of damage. Firstly, it is recommended to remove the film from its original packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a specialised film pouch. This allows for easier inspection and reduces the likelihood of the film being subjected to X-ray scanning. It is also important to keep the film with you in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage undergoes X-ray scanning that is typically stronger and more likely to damage the film.
Additionally, you can request a manual inspection of your film by a TSA agent. This is a common practice and is usually accommodated, especially at U.S. airports. However, it is worth noting that some airports may only offer this option for film rated at 800 ISO or lower. Alternatively, you can use a lead film bag to protect your film from X-rays. While this provides some protection, it is not a guarantee, and there is still a risk of the film being affected.
To avoid any potential issues, it is advisable to purchase film at your destination or have your film developed before travelling. This eliminates the risk of X-ray damage and ensures your film remains intact. By following these guidelines, you can confidently travel with film and focus on capturing memorable images without worrying about the potential impact of airport X-rays.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airport X-ray scanners can potentially damage undeveloped Polaroid film. The X-ray may penetrate and expose the film, causing random fog stripes or light patterns to appear on the photos. The fog will become more severe if the film goes through a high-energy X-ray scanner. However, exposed or developed film is not affected by X-rays and can be placed in either carry-on or checked luggage.
You can request a hand-check or manual inspection of your undeveloped film by informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film. Placing your undeveloped film in a "`Do Not X-Ray` pouch" or a simple ziplock bag can also help communicate your request for a hand-check.
If your undeveloped Polaroid film is exposed to an airport X-ray scanner, it may result in washed-out, foggy photos with a reddish or pinkish hue. The level of damage depends on the ISO of the film and the strength of the X-ray scanner. Films below ISO 800 are generally considered safe from noticeable damage when exposed to carry-on baggage X-ray scanners.
