As for 'the research has been done', I didn't see much in the way of methodology in the linked information, and 'all black and white' doesn't tie in with Ilford's research.
The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) is a non-profit organization whose members include virtually all of the major photographic film manufacturers. Members include Kodak, Fuji, and Agfa-Gevaert, among others. As far as I know, Ilford is not a member.
I3A says this about their standards:
I3A’s status as an accredited Standards Developing Organization enables us to take the formal approach when it’s called for. As secretariat for the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 42 (ISO/TC42) on Photography and administrator for the USA Technical Advisory Group for this committee, I3A is well qualified in the world of formal international standardization.
The I3A's methodology is online and available. The I3A did the testing at TSA facilities, using TSA equipment, at the request of the TSA. The TSA used the results to formulate their own recommendations:
http://www.i3a.org/advocacy/itip/
Rapiscan devices are the machines used to x-ray your carry on baggage. The purpose of the I3A test was to determine the maximum x-ray exposure high-speed photographic film products can tolerate before functional damage occurs. This information was requested by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in an effort to determine the optimum dosage to minimize damage to film products yet maintain the ability to recognize the contents and provide an adequate level of security.
Based on the testing completed at the TSA Training Center in Atlantic City, I3A recommends a limit of five passes through the carry-on baggage security checkpoint systems for all color negative and reversal film, including single-use cameras, up to and including ISO 800 speed film. While in some cases it may take a greater number of passes to cause damage to film, we believe that a five-pass limit allows an appropriate margin for safety. If lower-speed film, ISO 100 through 800, is being carried on extended trips, and it is necessary to submit the film through security screeners more than five times, travelers should request hand inspection of their film. I3A further recommends that all film with an ISO rating greater than 800, black and white films, motion picture films, and films used for medical imaging ALWAYS be hand inspected. FAA regulations support the request by passengers for hand inspection of film.
Here is the methodology used:
Testing procedures:
1) All films were placed in trays and transported through the scanner for 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
and 100 passes. Films were placed on trays in a manner indicative of how a typical
traveler might pack their carry-on bags.
2) One roll from each category was held out as a reference.
3) After scanning was complete film samples were taken by, or sent to their respective
companies for processing and evaluation.
Evaluation procedures.
Each company processed, examined, and in some cases printed the test film. Examination
included the following criteria.
1) Dmin (base fog) increase for negative film.
a) Measured by transmission densitometer as well as visually inspected
2) Dmax decrease for reversal film.
a) Measured by transmission densitometer as well as visually inspected
3) Midtone gray density change.
4) Banding, and/or other uneven density deviations.
Selected films were printed to determine at what Dmin increase a functional and
unacceptable degradation of the image would occur.
Now, I have no doubt that the results others may have in other nations may well be different. I have no information on that. The information above applies only to x-ray scanners located at airports in the USA to the best of my knowledge.
I have suggested in the past, and continue to state, that the research has indeed been done - by the industry itself, and for the benefit of consumers as well as the US government (to aid them in developing their own recommended best practices and at their request). This represents the best data available.
It it in any case superior to anecdotal evidence.
Last couple of points:
As to lead bags (mentioned in several posts above), the TSA does not recommend their use in carry-on bags, and the high-energy scanners used in checked bags won't stop the utter destruction of any film they touch. Feel free to believe anecdotal reports of non-damage as desired. Note that those who encourage their use will not reimburse you for any film damaged if you follow their advice, now will they?
Regarding x-ray damage; x-rays damage undeveloped film. Period. The only question is
how much they damage the film. If the damage is undetectable by the human eye, then one may well choose to accept the results. It is for all intents and purposes undamaged. However, this is not the same as saying that x-rays do not damage film; they do.
Regarding film in checked bags; not every single checked bag is scanned. Those that are may still miss things in the bag itself, and thus checked undeveloped film may escape damage. However, if the scanner hits the film, it is toast.
I do not know how else to provide the information. I fail to understand why anyone would continue to solicit anecdotal advice when the research has, indeed, been done and made available in a completely transparent manner.
However, people should feel free to do just as they wish, as always.
