DO AIRPORT SCANNERS REALLY DAMAGE FILM?
In short: yes, they do.
It depends on the scanner type, radiation intensity and time spent inside the scanner.
But ultimately, no film comes out of a security scanner exactly like it went into it.
X-RAY SCANNERS
Most manufacturers claim their scanners are “film-safe up to 1600 ISO". This is not true. With repeated exposures, already an 800 ISO films exhibits noticeable fog and a shift in color.
Many cases of fogged 400ISO films are known too.
CT SCANNERS
The new CT (computer tomography) scanners are getting installed at airports worldwide, and are a threat to any film, regardless of the ISO. The protective bags help only partially. Those scanners easily penetrate up to 30mm (1,18in) steel.
CARGO SCANNERS
More powerful than luggage CT scanners, they can penetrate 80mm (3,14in) steel.
Installed at ports, borders, in the shipping companies’ premises, those scanners can destroy film even before it reaches the consumer. With such power, no photosensitive material stands any chance.
THE RIGHT TO ASK FOR A HAND-CHECK
Theoretically, the airport staff can be asked for a hand-check. In practice, the response varies greatly from airport to airport and from person to person. It is a confusing, often intimidating procedure, where both the photographer and the security staff are lost and have no clear guidelines to follow.
Mailing film is also increasingly at risk
A lot is at stake: expensive material, precious memories or commercial work that cannot be recreated.
Our common goal, as a community, should be that of changing the security procedures and raising awareness about the importance of hand-checking light-sensitive materials. Read more about our MISSION
