I know – most photographers will probably say – What is film? But for those who still use it this information may be useful.

TSA is in the process of installing new X-Ray machines at airports. According to the TSA:

AT is a catch phrase for a group of advanced X-ray technologies that will improve carry-on bag screening and enhance airline passenger security. ATs provide clear, high-definition X-ray images that improve TSA security officers’ ability to detect potential threat items. Some AT units also employ multiple X-ray angles (views), provide high-definition zoom and/or have automated detection capabilities that will further enhance the TSOs’ effectiveness. By comparison, currently deployed technology depends on a single, top-down X-ray view.

According to information that we have received these machines expose the bag to much more radiation. The previous guidelines stated that 400 speed film or below was safe to send through the machine. However, the new machines are raising some doubts if this limit still applies because essentially one trip through these new X-Rays is the same as 4 trips on the old models where 400 was considered safe.

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