Air Travel Film X-Ray Warning
According to recent reports in photo industry trade magazines,
the Federal Aviation Administration has approved and has
installed an estimated 60 or more Invision CTX-5000 explosive
material detecting scanners at major U.S. airports, with more
overseas. What is different about this scanner is how it affects
unprocessed photographic film.
This scanner will be used to examine all checked air travel
luggage. The CTX-5000 first delivers a low-power, non-destructive
X-ray scan of luggage, similar to machines already in use.
However, when the CTX-5000 detects a suspicious mass, it
automatically or manually turns on a laser-like intense X-ray
beam which causes a 1 centimeter (about 7/16") wide fogged line
on all unprocessed print film or a somewhat less destructive
loss-of-density line in slide film. The higher the ISO, the
greater the fog or density loss. Film users should not pack
unprocessed film in their ticketed luggage.
What can the traveling public do?
The Photographic and Imaging
Manufacturers Association has issued this report:
"The new scanners are going to make the skies safer by inspecting
checked baggage better. If your undeveloped film is checked in
your luggage, it could be damaged by new airport scanners. Carry
undeveloped film on the plane with you and ask for hand
inspection wherever possible. If you are carrying large amounts
of unprocessed film, contact the airline prior to your flight.
Contact your film manufacturer if you have more questions."
Sima Products, the manufacturer of FilmShield x-ray protection bags,
now has some products that safely protect unprocessed film
from CTX-5000 damage.
FilmShield FPF 8 Pouches are made of extra-strength lead foil
sandwiched between protective poly inner and outer layers.
They provide full protection to film up to ISO 200 speed. The FilmShield FPF 20
nylon/lead composite pouch protects film as fast as ISO 800.
