X-ray Avoidance
Apr 30 '00
Unprocessed photographic films have always been sensitive to X-rays, but this fact is more important now than ever before. A film's sensitivity to X-ray depends upon its ISO rating or degree of light sensitivity. Since many general users choose to utilize the more sensitive films like Kodak Gold Max (ISO 800)and disposable cameras-- also loaded with ISO 800 film--the risk of X-ray damage/exposure is greatly increased. Although slower speed films like ISO 100/200 are less suceptable to X-ray exposure than the higher rated films, all films are at risk of being damaged by the latest X-ray technology used in many international airports today.
The safest way to deal with airport X-ray screening is to avoid it completely by having security hand-inspect your unprocesssed films & disposable cameras. The "visual" inspection process is usually quick and painless. Just hand your photographic products along with your jewlery & other goodies to the security people before going through the metal detector. Security personnel will ask you to remove the lens cap from your camera so they can see through the camera. When they are satisfied that your camera is really a camera and your film cassettes really contain film, you'll be on your way to the gate. I've never seen them open the back of the camera or expose a roll of film during an inspection, although I'm sure this must have happened to somebody. Advanced Photo System film cassettes (made mostly of plastic)can almost always be carried through a metal detector without causing an alarm. I doubt that the APS designers actually planned this not-so-obvious benefit.
The alternative to Hand/visual inspection is to use a lead-lined bag/box to shield your films and loaded cameras. These lead bags are available at most camera stores for a modest price. The larger capacity bags will naturally cost more than the smaller variety.
If you travel frequently, there will come a time when you forget to have your camera & film visually screened. If you regularly use slower films, it is possible to emerge undamaged from even 2-3 screens with low-dose X-ray equipment used at many regional airports. The international airports are typically using the "latest/greatest" screening equipment and are a much greater threat to unprocessed films.
Finally, your last option is to have your film visually inspected on the way to your destination and get the film processed before returning to the airport to go home.
One last word on this subject. If an X-ray machine is posted as safe for photographic film, assume that it isn't. You never know when the unit is going to malfunction and overdose your precious memories.
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