Can an X-ray scanner damage a film for a camera?

Going through the airport X-ray scanner

Passengers pass through one X-ray scanner one by one, while hand luggage and other personal stuff pass through the second scanner. Both scanners are side by side, and on some airports, you can find a third one scanning the footwear.

Before going through the X-ray scanner, passengers must remove their belts, jewelry, jackets, coats, or headscarves and pack everything in a plastic box. It’s required to remove the small items from your pockets (mobile phones, passport, airplane ticket) and put them in the box as well as the zip bags where the liquid is packed.

The officer may require the passenger to take off his shoes or boots. They are supposed to be placed directly on the conveyor belt.

What is X-ray Device?

X-ray devices are equipment designed to control the passengers’ luggage, consignments, various cargoes and objects carried by airplanes. They are based on an X-ray application and can record luggage content as needed.

An X-ray generator emits an X-ray beam when powered.

The impact of the scanner on the camera

Controlled objects pass a small but sufficient dose of radiation (not even the most sensitive camera films are damaged). However, we recommend that you do not pack your camera and 35mm film in the suitcase but in hand luggage.

Cabin baggage scanner

Digital cameras and memory cards are not X-ray sensitive, so scanners at the airport cannot damage them. The X-rays emitted by the scanner for hand luggage are significantly weaker than the ones emitted by the checked baggage scanner, so be sure to bring your cameras and related accessories with you.

Click here to learn tips for transferring your camera through the latest airport scanners.

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