Here
are the facts: Because all mail may be X-rayed, exposed or
un-exposed film should not be mailed. Because all mail may be
irradiated, photographic slides should not be mailed. While the
likelihood of either of the above happening to your package is
extremely small, it would seem prudent not to take the risk.
Because some airports may use an RSX 5000 machine to X-ray checked
baggage, exposed or unexposed should never be placed in checked
baggage.
For air travel I carry on a few days worth of
film. Film of EI 400 or less will not be damaged by the X-ray
machines used at airport security checkpoints.
For all necessary shipping of film and slides,
BIRDS AS ART uses Fed-X. Some suggest that if you bring your
unsealed parcel to a Fed-X station and have it inspected, the agent
will place a sticker on it to ensure that it will not be X-rayed or
irradiated. As we have been assured that no domestic Fed-X parcels
will be X-rayed or irradiated, we do not presently bring our
unsealed parcels to Fed-X, but I shall inquire and let you know what
I find out.
