Airport X-Rays: Film's Friend Or Foe?

X-ray scanners in airports can expose and damage unexposed film. The scanners used for checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. The scanners used for carry-on baggage are less powerful and are considered safe for film speeds lower than ISO 800. However, the new CT scanners for carry-on luggage will fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. It is recommended to keep film in a clear plastic bag and request a hand inspection.

X-ray scanners can fog film and ruin photos

X-ray scanners at airports can fog film and ruin your photos. This is because undeveloped film is sensitive to light, and the X-ray may penetrate and expose the film. The fog will become more severe if it goes through a high-energy X-ray scanner.

To avoid this, you can take a few precautions. Firstly, do not pack undeveloped film in your checked baggage. Keep it in your carry-on baggage instead, as the X-ray used to inspect carry-on bags is much milder. If your baggage does need to be X-rayed, request a manual inspection politely. Most airports should allow this, but it can vary depending on the location and country. Additionally, you can pack your films inside a dark bag (film guard bag) to save time and show security just one bag instead of digging through your entire backpack.

It is also recommended to use up your instant films during your travels so that you don't have to worry about potential damage from X-ray inspections on your way back.

Furthermore, traditional X-ray scanners used to check hand luggage are generally safe for films with an ISO of below 800. However, this also depends on the number of times the film is exposed to X-rays. If the same roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspections more than five times before it is developed, it may get damaged.

It is worth noting that some airports have started using a new generation of X-ray scanners called CT (Computer Tomography) scanners, which run a high chance of damaging film irrespective of its ISO. Therefore, it is crucial to stay updated with the type of scanners used at the airport you're travelling through and request a hand inspection if necessary.

The danger of X-ray exposure is cumulative

The danger of X-ray exposure is indeed cumulative, and it is important to be aware of this when travelling with film. Airport X-ray scanners can fog and damage film, ruining photographs. The effects of X-ray exposure build up over time, and multiple scans can lead to increased damage. This is why it is generally recommended to avoid scanning film whenever possible and to request hand checks instead.

The impact of X-ray exposure depends on various factors, including the film speed, the number of scans, and the type of X-ray machine. Film with an ISO rating of 800 or higher is particularly sensitive to X-rays and can be damaged by even a single scan. However, even film with lower ISO ratings can be affected if exposed to multiple scans. For example, ISO 400 film may be safe after one or two scans, but the risk of damage increases with each additional scan. Similarly, ISO 200 film should not be scanned more than four times, and ISO 100 film is at risk after eight scans.

To minimise the risk of damage, it is advisable to keep film with you as carry-on luggage rather than checking it in. Carry-on luggage is typically scanned with lower-energy X-rays, which are less likely to cause damage. Additionally, some airports have started using CT (Computer Tomography) scanners for carry-on luggage, which have been found to cause significant fogging and loss of detail in film. If your film is scanned by a CT scanner, even once, it is likely to be affected.

To protect your film when travelling, consider the following recommendations:

• Pack your film in a clear plastic bag and request a hand inspection. Most airports should accommodate this request, but it may vary depending on the location and country. Be polite and patient when making the request, and clearly explain that you would like your film to be checked manually rather than put through the X-ray machine.
• Avoid putting film in checked baggage. The X-ray machines used for checked baggage are typically more powerful and more likely to damage film.
• If possible, limit the amount of unprocessed film you're travelling with. Consider buying film at your destination or having it developed before returning home, as X-rays cannot harm already-developed film.
• Use a lead film bag as a backup, but don't rely solely on it to protect your film. Treat your film as if it is unprotected and always request a hand check.
• Be aware that different films react differently to X-rays, and there are varying types of X-ray machines with different power levels. Just because your film wasn't affected the last time doesn't mean it won't be affected the next time.

The effects of X-ray exposure vary

The impact of X-ray exposure also depends on the type of film. Black-and-white films may exhibit patterns in dark areas, while colour-negative films can show neutral or brown patterns. Slide film may display neutral or brown patterns in light areas. Additionally, colour film often exhibits greenish hues when exposed to X-ray radiation.

Furthermore, the intensity of the X-rays plays a role in the extent of damage. Carry-on luggage scanners typically use low-energy X-rays that are less likely to harm films below ISO 800. In contrast, checked baggage scanners employ high-dose X-rays that can immediately damage film. The new CT scanners, which are being introduced in airports, can fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions, even with a single scan.

To minimise the potential for harm, photographers should carry their film in hand luggage and request a hand inspection. Keeping the film in a clear plastic bag and being polite when dealing with security personnel can facilitate the process. Additionally, using filmguard bags or lead-lined bags can provide some protection, although their effectiveness is debated. Ultimately, the best way to ensure film safety is to avoid X-ray exposure altogether by requesting a hand check or having the film processed before travelling.

X-ray scanners for checked luggage are more powerful than those for carry-on luggage

The X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage, on the other hand, use a very low level of X-radiation that will not cause noticeable damage to most films. These scanners are designed to quickly and efficiently screen items without damaging their contents. As a result, they are less powerful than those used for checked luggage.

The powerful X-ray scanners used for checked luggage can fog film, causing soft-edged bands to appear on the developed pictures. This fogging can ruin photographs, especially if the film is exposed to multiple scans. For this reason, photographers are advised to carry their film with them and request a hand check instead of putting it in their checked luggage.

Additionally, the X-ray scanners used for carry-on luggage are designed to be quick and efficient, allowing security personnel to screen a large number of bags in a short amount of time. These scanners produce detailed images that help inspectors identify potential threats. While these scanners are effective at detecting metallic and non-metallic objects, they may not always be able to determine the exact composition of suspicious items.

In summary, X-ray scanners for checked luggage are more powerful than those for carry-on luggage due to the use of higher energy X-rays. The higher energy X-rays can damage undeveloped film, so photographers should avoid putting film in checked luggage. The scanners for carry-on luggage, on the other hand, use lower energy X-rays that will not harm most films and are designed for efficiency and speed in screening items.

CT-type scanners will damage all film speeds and emulsions

CT-type scanners will fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Previously, scanners for carry-on luggage were low-powered X-ray machines that would not damage film. However, the new CT-type scanners for carry-on luggage in security checkpoints around the US will fog, damage, and destroy all film speeds and emulsions. Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak have warned photographers not to check their film but to carry it on and request it be hand-checked by TSA agents at security.

The film is fogged due to the CT scanner, which is most apparent in the underexposed image. There are also some colour shifts in the image and loss in shadow detail. Lastly, the frames that went through the CT scanner are considerably more grainy.

• Always bring your undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with film with an ASA/ISO 800 or higher, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with film that is or will be underexposed, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with film that you intend to "push process", pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with sheet film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with large format film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with medical film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with scientific film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with motion picture film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with professional-grade film, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.
• If you are travelling with film of any speed that is subjected to X-ray screening more than five times, pack it in a clear plastic bag, remove it from your carry-on bag at the checkpoint, and ask for a hand inspection.

Frequently asked questions