Airport Security Scanners: Friend Or Foe To Film?

Airport security scanners can pose a risk to film photographers, with some travellers reporting issues when taking film through security. While traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to create an image, newer CT scanners use multiple beams to create a 3D image, resulting in a higher radiation dose that can damage film. However, opinions vary on the likelihood and extent of damage. Some travellers claim their film has been ruined by airport scanners, while others report no issues. Factors such as film type, format, ISO, and the type of scanner can influence the impact on film. Protective bags can provide some defence, but their effectiveness is limited. Hand checks are recommended for peace of mind, especially for colour film and high ISO films.

X-ray vs CT scanners: which is worse for film?

As technology advances, airports in Europe and the USA have started using new X-ray scanners called CT scanners for security checks. Although these scanners seem like a step towards improved safety, they can be very damaging to film.

Traditional X-Ray Scanners

Traditional X-ray scanners use a single beam of radiation to pass through objects and create an image. Most current machines used for carry-on luggage scanning use a very mild dose of X-rays that is unlikely to damage film if it's under 800 ISO. However, older models of X-ray scanners were more damaging to film, especially high ISO films. Checked luggage usually goes through traditional X-ray scanners, which are often much stronger and can ruin film.

CT Scanners

CT scanners, on the other hand, use multiple radiation beams to create a 3D image of the scanned object. This makes them more powerful and precise but also means they emit a higher radiation dose. The increased radiation dose can have a damaging effect on film, causing issues such as fogging on negatives, loss of detail, colour shifts, and increased graininess.

Comparison

While traditional X-ray scanners can be damaging to film, especially for high ISO films, CT scanners are generally considered worse due to their higher radiation dose. A single pass through a CT scanner can damage film of any speed, according to Kodak Alaris, Ilford, and Fujifilm. However, it's important to note that the impact of CT scanners on film may depend on various factors, such as the specific scanner model, the operator's settings, and the type of film used.

To protect your film from potential damage, it is recommended to use a lead-lined bag, such as a Domke FilmGuard bag, or request a hand inspection by airport security personnel.

How to protect film from airport security scanners

It is possible to protect film from damage by airport security scanners. Here are some steps you can take:

Know your scanners

Firstly, it is important to understand the differences between the two types of scanners: traditional X-ray scanners and the newer CT scanners. 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. This means that CT scanners emit a higher dose of radiation and are more likely to damage film. CT scanners are increasingly being used in airports with higher traffic, so it is important to be aware of their potential impact on film.

Check the ISO of your film

The ISO speed of your film will determine its sensitivity to light. In general, film with an ISO of 800 or lower is considered to be less sensitive to scanners and is less likely to be damaged. However, there are reports of even lower-speed film being affected by scanners, especially CT scanners. So, it is always a good idea to request a hand check for your film, regardless of its ISO speed.

Use protective bags

While not foolproof, lead-lined bags can provide some protection for your film from X-ray and CT scanners. These bags are designed to block harmful X-rays and can be purchased online. However, keep in mind that they may not offer 100% protection, especially if your film is exposed to multiple scans.

Keep film in carry-on luggage

It is recommended to keep your film in your carry-on luggage, as checked baggage often goes through stronger X-ray scanners that can damage film immediately. If you must check your film, consider using a specialised film bag designed to protect against X-rays.

Organise your film for easy access

To make the security process smoother, keep your film organised and easily accessible. Remove it from all canisters and wrappers and place it in a transparent, ziplock bag. Keep the bag in a side pocket or an area of your carry-on luggage that is easy to reach. This will allow for quick removal and reduce the risk of damage.

Request a hand check

The best way to ensure your film is not damaged by scanners is to request a hand check. When you reach the front of the security line, politely inform a security agent that you have photographic film and would like it to be hand-checked. While this may not always be granted, it is worth asking to protect your film.

What does damage from airport security scanners look like?

The damage from airport security scanners on film can manifest in several ways, depending on the type of film and the scanner used.

Traditional X-ray scanners, which are typically used for checked luggage, employ a single beam of radiation to create an image. This type of scanner can cause fogging on negatives, resulting in a loss of detail and colour accuracy. The fogging often appears as soft-edged bands about a quarter to three-eighths of an inch wide, with the orientation of the fog stripes depending on the film's positioning relative to the X-ray beam. The banding may be linear or wavy, running lengthwise or horizontally on the film.

On the other hand, CT scanners, which are increasingly being used for carry-on luggage, utilise multiple radiation beams to generate a 3D image. This increased radiation dose can lead to a substantial loss of detail in the shadows of images, particularly those with tight exposure and significant grain. The images may appear "overcooked" and sun-dried. Additionally, there may be a noticeable colour shift, with colours appearing muddy or veering towards green or green-blue.

The impact of security scanners on film also depends on other factors such as the film's ISO speed, format (35mm or medium format), and whether it is colour or black-and-white. Lower ISO films (typically below 800) are generally less affected by X-ray scanners, although even these films may exhibit some fogging or colour shifts. Higher ISO films, such as Delta 3200, can be rendered unusable after a single pass through a CT scanner.

Furthermore, protective bags can provide some defence against the scanners' effects, but they do not guarantee complete protection.

How to hand-check film at airport security

To hand-check film at airport security, you should first ensure that your film is stored in a carry-on bag. It is recommended that you take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection.

• Take your film out of all canisters and wrappers.
• Place the film in a transparent, ziplock bag.
• Keep your film in a side pocket or another easily accessible area of your carry-on bag for quick removal.
• Do not keep film in any luggage or baggage that will be checked. This includes cameras that still have film in them.
• If possible, consider shipping your exposed film to a film lab for processing before your return trip.

It is important to note that most signs at TSA security checkpoints indicate that film below 800 ISO will not be affected by X-rays. However, it is always better to be cautious and request a hand inspection if you have any concerns.

What ISO film is most vulnerable to airport security scanners?

Airport security scanners can damage film, and it is recommended that you ask for a hand-check for your film at security. However, if you do need to put your film through an X-ray scanner, most signs at security checkpoints indicate that film below 800 ISO will not be affected. This is generally true, although some sources suggest that even 800 ISO film can go through a scanner multiple times before you see the slightest bit of fogging.

The newer CT scanners are more powerful and can damage film of any speed, according to Kodak Alaris, Ilford, and Fujifilm. Even a single pass through a CT scanner can damage film of any speed.

In an experiment, photographer Lina Bessonova tested the impact of X-ray and CT scanners on various films, including Cinestill 50D, ADOX CHS 100II, and Portra 400. She found that even the 50 ISO Cinestill 50D film showed some damage, with fog apparent at -1 and -2 stops. The 100 ISO ADOX CHS 100II film showed a colour shift, and the 200 ISO Portra 400 film showed base fog.

Therefore, it seems that even low ISO films can be vulnerable to damage from airport security scanners, particularly the newer CT scanners. However, the risk of damage is higher for films with a higher ISO speed.

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