Laser Pointers: Helpful or Hazardous?

We've all used them, seen them, or passed by them in the check-out aisle. Laser pointers are very useful presentation tools but, as we all know, they are being used for much more than pointing out objects on an overhead. Because of lower costs and higher production, laser pointers are popping up everywhere.

Recently, several incidents have occurred where the misuse of laser pointers by children and adults has caused serious safety hazards and dangerous situations. A 16 year old cheerleader in Wisconsin was temporarily blinded after being repeatedly exposed while walking and performing a cheer routine. In another incident a laser pointer caused a serious bus accident causing multiple injuries and a Florida man paid the price when he was arrested for scanning the ground near an off-duty police officer who thought it was a laser-sighted firearm. All of these situations are examples of ignorance leading to potentially dangerous situations.

Lasers are classified according to their degree of hazard from Class 1 to Class 4, Class 4 being the most hazardous. Most laser pointers in the US are Class 2 and Class 3a lasers. The eye's blink reflex (0.25 seconds) is usually enough to protect the eye from damage due to visible lasers, however Class 3a lasers do have the potential to cause damage if viewed directly for greater than 0.25 seconds.

The FDA requires warning labels to be placed on laser pointers including it's classification and instructions telling users to not look directly into the beam. Unfortunately, there are now reports of lasers being imported from China and Russia that are not properly labeled. These lasers are significantly more dangerous and contain a green beam rather than a red one. Before buying a laser pointer, be sure to check that it contains a FDA warning label.

Some potential effects of laser exposure are glare, flashblindness, and afterimage. Glare is partial or complete loss of visibility while being exposed. Flashblindness is an effect similar to looking directly at a flash while having a picture taken. Afterimage is the effect of "seeing spots" after being exposed. These effects can last anywhere from seconds to days.

Many safety professionals are more worried about the secondary effects of laser exposure. Secondaryeffects are primarily psychological effects (startle or panic) which can occur at dangerous times such as driving or walking across a busy street. One researcher found that many eye injuries occurred when the people responded to being exposed in the eye by vigorously rubbing their eyes or sticking their fingers in their eyes.

The Laser Institute of America recommends the following laser pointer tips:

Never stare at a laser light.
Never shine a laser pointer at anyone. Laser pointers are designed to illustrate inanimate objects.
Do not allow minors to use a pointer unsupervised. Laser pointers are not toys.
Do not point a laser pointer at mirror-like surfaces. A reflected beam can act like a direct beam on the eye.
Be aware of irresponsible uses of pointers so the psychological effect will be minimized if you are illuminated by one.
Do not purchase a laser pointer if it does not have a caution or danger sticker on it identifying its class. Report suspicious devices to the FDA.
Just remember, be responsible, safe, and use laser pointers for the use in which they are intended.