Expert: Roberto Gomes - 2/27/2008

Question
The previous question was whether or not airport scanning equipment would destroy disposable cameras.  I was unable to be sure of the answer.  If pictures have been taken while on vacation with a disposable camera, is it safe to transport it home before developing the photos?  The answer I read stated that undeveloped film would become clouded, but I did not know if that would include film inside of a disposable camera.  Sorry for my confusion.  Thank you

Answer
Dear Linda,

The equipment will fog any unprocessed film that passes through the scanner. If it's unprocessed, it means that it wasn't still developed and for that reason it will be affected.

X-rays from airport scanners don't affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed, i.e. film from which you have received prints, slides or photo CD Discs.

If you still have questions, please let me know.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes