Re: Exposure to Photograhic Film in Airport X-ray Scanners

[loc <loc@icx.net>]

I always insist that my camera and film be hand inspected even if
I'm  not carrying high speed film.  As a roll may go through several
scans over the course of my travel, I just don't take the chance. 
Atlanta is troublesome to do anything out of the ordinary as far as
security goes--I never remember this when I am actually visiting the
city (as opposed to changing planes).  The important thing to
remember is NEVER put film in your checked baggage--this is now
subjected to much higher intensity radiation at some airports.  A
solution I used to use when carrying lots of film was to put it in
one of the lead-lined vinyl pouches.  Apparently also there is a lot
of variability in the intensity of the security X-rays at some
overseas airports.  In Rome about 15 years ago, I faced down a
security guard carrying an Uzi and insisted he hand inspect my
camera.  I figured he wouldn't really shoot me, despite his
posturing!

Regards,
Susan Gawarecki
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