Recent tests have found no evidence of X-ray scanner damage to digital camera media cards or to the images on them when carried in passengers’ carry-on or checked-in baggage.

December 17, 2004: Recent tests have found no evidence of X-ray scanner damage to digital camera media cards or to the images on them when carried in passengers’ carry-on or checked-in baggage.
Scanners currently used in the U.S. transportation industry were jointly tested by the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry; SanDisk Corporation, a manufacturer of digital media cards; and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A broad selection of media and devices from a range of manufacturers, loaded with detailed images, was subjected to repeated passes through X-ray scanners matching those now in use at transportation facilities. At the end of the tests, the images were unaltered and the devices showed no sign of damage. Complete details on the tested media cards, test protocols and results can be downloaded from http://www.i3a.org/itip.html.
Separate tests were conducted at the same facility to determine whether the walk-through metal detectors or hand-held metal detector wands have any effect on digital image storage media. As with the X-ray scanners, no damage to media or images was perceived from either of these devices.
The results showed digital cameras and their image storage media can travel safely in either checked or carry-on bags, which will be reassuring to holiday travellers. And though they were not explicitly tested, it is likely that images on camera-phones will be safe in either situation as well. More care is needed for cameras with film, however, as the X-ray scanners for both checked and carry-on luggage can fog both developed and undeveloped film.