This tip was printed from the MalekTips Computer and Technology Help and Tips website at http://malektips.com.

Digital Camera Memory - Can Airport X-Ray Machines Damage Memory?

SUMMARY: Can traveling through airports destroy your digital camera memory?

If you travel with your digital camera, you may be worried that airport x-ray machines may damage photographs on your digital camera memory or even the memory cards themselves.

Relax! Though I cannot give a 100% guarantee, everything I have read in books, on the Internet, and in magazines states that these machines do not have an adverse affect on such cards, unlike film.

If you are still concerned, you may want to consider archiving your digital camera photos to compact disks before returning on an airplane. This provides an extra level of backup and should ease your mind.

To ease your concerns, the I3A (International Imaging Industry Association) released a press release on December 15, 2004, regarding tests on digital camera media performed by the imaging industry and United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In it, they state that x-ray machines used by the TSA should cause no damage to digital media, whether or not the media is in checked or carry-on bags.

According to a quote of Lisa Walker, the I3A president, "Our tests should put travelers' fears to rest, that their digitally captured ... memories won't be damaged in transit."

I3A - http://www.i3a.org/

Digital Media Press Release - http://www.i3a.org/pr_12_15_04.html