Roberta Aguirre
X-ray imaging is a common method used at airport customs to screen carry-on items and checked luggage for dangerous or illegal items. While X-ray machines are generally effective in detecting metal objects, weapons, and explosives, certain items can block or hinder their imaging capabilities. One example is photographic film, which is sensitive to X-rays and can be damaged by the radiation emitted by the machines. To address this, travellers can request hand-checks or use protective pouches or bags that block X-rays from reaching the film. Additionally, some electronic devices with MOS floating gates are also X-ray sensitive and may be affected by passing through X-ray scanners. It is important for travellers with X-ray sensitive items to be aware of the potential impact and take necessary precautions to protect their belongings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items that block X-ray imaging | Metal objects, photographic film, electronic devices with MOS floating gates, personal radiation dosimeters |
| Items that do not block X-ray imaging | Organic materials, inorganic materials |
| X-ray imaging machine types | Backscatter X-ray, cabinet X-ray, CT scanners |
| X-ray imaging machine capabilities | Detects items that may be hidden, identifies metal objects, creates images of luggage contents |
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What You'll Learn
Photographic film
To protect your photographic film from X-ray damage at airport customs, it is recommended to use a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch, which is clearly labelled and durable. Alternatively, a simple ziplock bag can also be used. Keep the film easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on bag. It is important to note that placing film in checked baggage, including film inside cameras, can lead to damage due to the higher-powered X-ray machines used for screening.
If you are concerned about potential damage, the best option is to request a manual inspection by informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film. Manual inspections are usually accommodated without issue, especially in the United States. Additionally, some companies offer film mailers that allow you to mail exposed film directly to a lab for developing, avoiding the need to bring film through airport security altogether.
While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which have stronger penetration capabilities. As such, hand-checks remain the safest and most effective way to protect your film when travelling through airports with CT scanning technology.
Overall, while X-ray imaging machines at airport customs can pose a risk to photographic film, following the recommended precautions can help ensure the safety of your film during travel.
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Metal objects
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses X-ray machines, metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to screen carry-on items and checked luggage for dangerous items. These devices also detect items that may be hidden. Metal detectors, in particular, use non-ionizing radiation to scan travelers and their belongings to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited metal items.
Non-ionizing radiation has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule or cause them to vibrate but not enough to remove electrons from atoms. This type of radiation is used in metal detectors and millimeter wave machines to scan surfaces and generate images of the objects present.
While metal objects can sometimes block X-ray imaging at airport customs, it is important to note that TSA agents are trained to handle such situations and ensure the safety of passengers and their belongings. They may employ various techniques, such as manual inspections or pat-down searches, to resolve any issues caused by metal objects during X-ray screening.
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X-ray-sensitive equipment
Analog film is the most common X-ray-sensitive item encountered at airport security. However, there is an increasing number of electronic devices that are also X-ray-sensitive. These devices use MOS floating gates as precision analog devices, which are somewhat sensitive to X-rays. Passing such equipment through an airport X-ray scanner may damage it, reduce its lifespan, or require expensive recalibration.
If you are travelling with X-ray-sensitive equipment, you can inform security staff and request that it is not put through the X-ray machine. It is recommended to use simple words and to refer to the item as "photographic equipment". Security staff will then inspect the item manually. It is also possible to mail the item to your destination, although this may still involve X-ray examination.
To protect film from X-rays, it can be placed in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. It should be kept in the side pocket of your carry-on bag and easily accessible for inspection. Film can also be mailed directly to a photo lab in prepaid mailers. While lead-lined film bags can block standard X-rays, they are ineffective against CT scanners, which are much stronger and can see through the lead.
CT scanners are becoming more common in US airports and, unlike traditional X-ray machines, they emit a higher radiation dose. However, most TSA checkpoints state that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. Modern carry-on X-ray systems are considered film-safe, and electronic media is also safe from damage.
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Liquids and chemicals
Metal detectors use magnetic fields to locate metal objects, while backscatter X-ray machines use low-energy X-rays to detect threats like weapons or explosives hidden under clothing. Cabinet X-ray systems, with their thick walls and lead curtains, are used to inspect checked luggage and carry-on items, ensuring radiation containment.
Millimeter wave machines, another type of screening technology, employ non-ionizing radiation to generate images and identify objects requiring further examination. These machines are designed to meet strict safety standards, with regular testing and maintenance conducted by TSA professionals to adhere to FDA requirements and ensure the safety of passengers and workers.
While X-ray imaging plays a crucial role in airport security, it is worth noting that alternative screening methods, such as pat-down searches, are offered to passengers concerned about radiation exposure. Overall, the use of X-ray technology in airports is carefully regulated to balance security needs with the safe use of radiation, protecting the health of both travelers and TSA personnel.
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Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
Airport security officers are trained to identify suspicious items, including components that could be used for IEDs. X-ray machines are a crucial tool in this process, allowing officers to examine the contents of both hand baggage and checked-in baggage. These machines use electromagnetic waves to penetrate materials and create images that are interpreted by trained operators. While X-rays can pass through many materials, they cannot penetrate metal. Metals such as lead, gold, platinum, tungsten, and aluminium are effective at blocking X-rays. Dense substances, like bone, can also block most X-ray particles.
To counter the threat of IEDs, security officers are trained to look for items that could be used as components of an IED, rather than just obvious weapons like guns or knives. The X-ray images are colour-coded, with shades of orange representing organic matter, as most explosives are organic. If an X-ray image appears suspicious, further investigations may be conducted, including rescreening with other X-ray technology, trace detection, employing explosive detection dogs, and opening bags.
In addition to X-ray technology, some airports use chemical sniffers to enhance security. These devices can detect trace residue of bomb-making chemicals on electronic devices or in lockers, unattended luggage, and other enclosed spaces. 3D imaging technology, utilising computer tomography (CT), offers improved automated explosive detection and higher baggage throughput. However, it has lower image resolution, which may make it more challenging for screeners to identify potential IEDs.
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Frequently asked questions
Some items that can block X-ray imaging at airport customs include lead-lined film bags, metal detectors, and cabinet X-ray machines.
Travellers should be aware that analog film, certain electronic devices, and personal radiation dosimeters are sensitive to X-rays and may be damaged by them.
X-ray machines use ionizing radiation to create images of the items being scanned. Different materials absorb X-rays at different levels, allowing for the identification of organic and inorganic materials.
Alternatives to X-ray imaging include hand-checks, CT scanners, metal detectors, and millimeter wave machines.
