TSA advice requested

[tam]

Originally Posted by TJtorpedo

Somewhat related, but I had bought a nice lead crystal ashtray a while back, and it was in my carry on to take home. Went through xray, and TSA took an absolute s#$@ because apparently lead crystal has a similar density to C4 explosives...and by chance I also had a little MP3 player laying up against the tray. Let's just say that wasn't a very fun experience...

Lead crystal does not have a similar density to C4. Lead crystal reflects the x-rays back and instead of seeing through it you get a big yellow blob on your screen. That's why film photographers use lead bags to protect unexposed film when traveling. Anything that reflects x-rays is a "shield" alarm. All shield alarms require physical inspection.