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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. Using lead
safety bags will not prevent damage from the intense CTX-5000 X-ray beam. 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."
Since this is a major new development for traveling photo- enthusiasts and professionals,
not all the questions have been asked nor have solutions to the problems been found. There
will be publicity in the mass media, photo press and on various photo and travel web sites
as this situation progresses.
New: FSTOP. A film advocacy committee aimed at making the picture-taking public aware of potential damage to photographic film generated by new x-ray security scanners installed at airports worldwide for the inspection of checked baggage. Sample Damaged Photograph.
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