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What can I do about fogging of my pictures due to exposure to airport security X-ray equipment?
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The extent of "X-ray fogging" is determined by the film's sensitivity to light and the number of times the film is exposed to radiation. Higher speed films (i.e. 400 or higher ISO) absorb light more quickly and are therefore, more susceptible to damage. However, an exposed roll of high speed film would have to go through an airport security device 50 times or more to have a noticeable effect. Therefore, the risk is very low that your film would be damaged by airport X-ray device.
If you plan to do a lot of traveling here or travel overseas, particularly Non-European countries, one solution to prevent possible X-ray fogging is to carry the film in a lead-lined bag which will protect it from exposure by blocking the radiation. Such bags are available through most camera stores and dealers. Another alternative for domestic travel is to carry the film and camera with you and have airport security hand inspect them rather than pass them through the X-ray tunnel. They are required by law to honor this type of request here in the U.S.; do not request this overseas.
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