Jazmin Li
Travelling with film can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially with the risk of X-ray damage at airport security. While the official guidance is that film at or above ISO 800 may be damaged by X-ray scanning, some sources suggest that even film below ISO 800 can be affected. Carry-on luggage is typically scanned using X-ray machines, which may not cause noticeable damage to film under ISO 800. However, checked baggage often goes through stronger CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to any film. To avoid potential damage, photographers can request a hand inspection or manual review of their film or use lead-lined bags, although these may be subject to inspection by TSA agents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will airport X-ray damage film? | It depends on the film speed, the type of X-ray machine, and the number of times the film passes through the machine. |
| Film speed | Film with an ISO of 800 or higher is more sensitive to X-ray radiation and may be prone to damage. Some sources say that film with an ISO of 400 or higher may also be affected. |
| Type of X-ray machine | Carry-on X-ray scanners typically don't harm film under 800 ISO. Checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to any film. |
| Number of passes | Each time film passes through an X-ray machine, there is a cumulative possibility of damage. |
| Hand inspection | Photographers can request a hand inspection to avoid possible damage, but some airports may not allow this due to security concerns. |
| Protective cases | Film can be stored in a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage, although TSA agents may ask to inspect the contents. |
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What You'll Learn
X-rays can damage film above ISO 800
X-rays can damage film, and the higher the ISO speed, the more susceptible it is to damage. While there are differing opinions on the exact ISO threshold, it is generally agreed that X-rays can damage film above ISO 800. This is because higher ISO film is more sensitive to light, and therefore more vulnerable to the effects of X-ray radiation.
Airport X-ray scanners come in two varieties: those used to scan checked luggage and those used at security checkpoints for scanning personal items and carry-on bags. The scanners for checked luggage are much more powerful and are likely to damage film of any speed. The checkpoint X-rays, on the other hand, are less powerful and usually will not damage film rated at 800 ISO or lower, even with multiple passes.
However, it is important to note that newer CT scanners, which are increasingly being installed in airports worldwide, can damage film of any speed with a single pass. These scanners are much stronger and can see through lead, resulting in more damage to your film. Due to this, it is recommended to always request a hand-check for your film when going through airport security. Place your film in a clear zip-lock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch, and politely ask the TSA agent to manually inspect your film. In most cases, they will be happy to accommodate your request.
While hand-checking is the best way to ensure your film is not damaged by X-rays, there are other methods you can employ as well. One method is to use a lead-lined film bag to protect your film from X-rays. However, this method is not always effective, especially against the stronger CT scanners. Another method is to keep your film refrigerated, as higher temperatures can also damage film. Ultimately, the best way to protect your film is to avoid X-ray scanners altogether when possible and to be mindful of the temperature conditions your film is exposed to.
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CT scanners can damage any film
CT scanners are increasingly being used at airports for security screening. These scanners use much stronger X-rays than the traditional carry-on luggage scanners, and can easily penetrate lead bags. As a result, they pose a significant risk of damaging film.
Film manufacturers, including Kodak, Fujifilm, and Ilford, have issued warnings about the damaging effects of CT scanners on unprocessed film. According to these companies, CT scanners can cause "fogging", distortion in shadow detail, and general image degradation. This damage can occur even with a single pass through a CT scanner and can affect film of any speed or ISO rating. While some sources suggest that film below 800 ISO is generally safe from traditional X-ray machines, CT scanners are powerful enough to affect even low-ISO film.
Several photographers have shared their experiences with CT scanners damaging their film. Some have reported visible damage, such as graininess and muddiness, while others have observed fogging and artifacts on their negatives. In some cases, the damage may not be immediately apparent, but it can become more noticeable when scanning or processing the film.
To minimize the risk of damage, it is recommended to request a hand inspection of your film at the airport security checkpoint. Most airports, especially in the U.S., are accommodating of such requests. Additionally, using a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch can help communicate your request more effectively to the security personnel.
In conclusion, CT scanners have the potential to damage any film, regardless of its speed or ISO rating. While hand inspections may not always be possible, they are the safest option to protect your film when travelling through airports with CT scanners.
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Checked luggage uses stronger X-rays
There are two types of airport X-ray scanners: those used to scan checked luggage and those used at security checkpoints for scanning personal items and carry-ons. Checked luggage X-ray scanners are much more powerful and can damage film. These scanners are used to screen large amounts of cargo and luggage at the same time. For example, medium X-ray systems can scan an entire pallet of cargo, and fixed-site systems are large enough to scan a tractor-trailer.
Checked luggage X-ray scanners are high-powered CT scanners that can cause immediate and irreversible damage to film. CT scanners are becoming increasingly common in airports and are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines. Just one pass through a CT scanner can damage a roll of film.
To avoid damage to film, it is recommended to ask a TSA agent for a hand-check when bringing film through TSA checkpoints. Most U.S. agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if the film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a \"Do Not X-Ray\" pouch.
It is important to note that carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically do not harm film rated at 800 ISO or lower. However, it is still recommended to request a hand-check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers.
In summary, checked luggage X-ray scanners use stronger X-rays that can damage film, so it is advisable to avoid packing film in checked luggage and to request a hand-check for carry-on film.
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Keep film cool to avoid damage
It is important to keep film cool to avoid damage. Film is a complex mixture of chemicals that are sensitive to heat and radiation. Heat damage can occur when film is left in hot environments, such as a car on a summer day, which can "bake" the film. To avoid this, it is recommended to keep film in a cool, dry place, such as a fridge or freezer. Freezing film can extend its lifespan by decades, especially for expired film. However, it is important to slowly defrost film to avoid condensation, which can damage the film structure.
When travelling with film, it is important to be aware of the potential damage caused by airport X-ray scanners and CT scanners. While standard carry-on X-ray scanners are generally considered safe for film rated at 800 ISO or lower, the newer CT scanners can damage film of any speed. These CT scanners are increasingly being installed in airports worldwide for both checked luggage and carry-on luggage. The best way to protect your film when travelling is to request a hand-check or manual inspection by a security agent. This is usually not a problem, especially in U.S. airports, and can ensure your film is not exposed to harmful radiation.
To further protect your film from heat damage when shooting outdoors, it is recommended to utilise shade and have backup equipment. Setting up tents or finding other sources of shade can provide a cool place to store equipment when not in use. Using cold gel packs is another common method to keep equipment cool in hot weather. Additionally, having backup cameras and lenses allows you to quickly switch out equipment, giving the main camera time to cool down.
Overall, keeping film cool is crucial to preventing damage. Whether storing film long-term, travelling with film, or shooting outdoors, maintaining low temperatures can ensure the film remains in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
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Request a hand inspection
It is recommended to request a hand inspection of your film at the airport to avoid potential damage from X-ray scanners. While most standard X-ray machines are unlikely to affect film rated at 800 ISO or lower, newer CT scanners can damage film of any speed with a single pass.
To ensure the safety of your film, it is best to politely request a hand inspection from the TSA agent. Inform them that you are carrying photographic film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. In the United States, TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests, especially if your film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
If you encounter resistance or a refusal for a hand inspection, remain polite and persistent. Ask to speak to a supervisor or a manager. According to FAA regulations, all US airports must grant hand inspections for film. Carrying a printed copy of these regulations or the TSA's own advice on film inspections can help support your request.
It is important to note that checked baggage goes through high-powered CT scanners that can cause irreversible damage to your film. Always carry your film in your hand luggage and consider placing it in a clear plastic bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch to facilitate the inspection process.
By requesting a hand inspection, you can minimize the risk of damage to your film and ensure that your images remain intact. While most airports are accommodating of such requests, it is always a good idea to be prepared and proactive in protecting your valuable film.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of film and the type of X-ray machine. Most sources agree that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is unlikely to be affected by standard X-ray machines, although some sources suggest that film at 400 ISO or lower is safe. Newer CT X-ray machines, which are increasingly being used in airports, can damage film of any speed.
You can request a hand inspection of your film at the airport. TSA agents will usually allow this, especially if your film is easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. However, some airports may not allow hand inspections due to security concerns. You can also store your film in a lead-lined bag to reduce the risk of damage, although TSA agents may ask you to remove it for inspection.
Lead-lined bags can block standard X-rays, but they are ineffective against stronger CT scanners. Even in a lead bag, there is a risk that the film will be damaged by a CT scanner or a standard X-ray machine that is on a higher power setting.
