New X-Ray Device May Harm Film in Baggage, FAA Warns
A new X-ray machine being used in some airports to detect hidden explosives can damage photographic film in checked baggage, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning.
Since the FAA will not say where the machines are in use, it is advising airlines to tell passengers that they should no longer put film in any checked bag. Instead, they should take it onto their flight in their pockets or carry-on bags.
The device involved is the CTX-5000, a high-powered X-ray machine that uses the same technology found in medical CT-scan machines. The machine uses X-rays to map the objects inside a bag and sounds an alarm when the resulting image resembles a bomb. The FAA bought 54 of the machines for $52.2 million and began installing them around the country in January 1997.
Photographic film is not harmed by the metal detectors and handbag X-ray machines used by airline passengers.
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