Laser pointers can be abused when they are pointed at people or viewed as toys. Light energy from a high power laser pointer into the eye is more damaging than looking directly at the sun. When aimed at a driver in a car, a pilot in an airplane, or even someone holding a hot cup of coffee, the amazing effect of a bright beam of light can lead to serious accidents. Teachers use them to draw attention to slide show information. Astronomers use them to point out stars, planets and other celestial bodies. Construction workers use them to level and align pipes. The FDA has the authority to regulate all kinds of lasers. The agency regulates lasers used in medicine under the Medical Device Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under the Act's Electronic Product Radiation Control Regulations, the FDA regulates medical and non-medical lasers, such as those used to weld electrical circuits in factories, scan groceries in supermarkets, or entertain crowds with light shows in the night sky.
The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates green laser pointer and other radiation-emitting devices, says these are legitimate uses for laser pointers. But the agency is concerned about the misuse of these potentially dangerous devices and the increase in their purchases over the Internet. A woman reported how other mothers she knew bought laser pointers for their children so they could imitate Star Wars characters Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, according to the Laser Institute of America. Class IIIb and IV laser pointer products are very powerful and can be exposed to laser radiation at any time, which can cause eye or skin injury. Research and industrial lasers and laser show projectors fall into these categories. Class IIIb and Class IV laser projectors may only be sold by or to FDA-approved individuals or companies.
Laser pointers have become a novelty for consumers and promoted as toys,” said Jerome Dennis, consumer safety officer at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). “They are dangerous as toys, It should not be used lightly.
what consumers can do：
- Never aim or shine a laser pointer at anyone.
- Don't buy a laser pointer for your child.
- Before buying a laser pointer, make sure its label has the following information:
- Statement of Compliance with CFR Part 21 (Code of Federal Regulations)
- Manufacturer's or distributor's name and date of manufacture
- Warning to avoid exposure to laser radiation
- Class name, ranging from Class I to IIIa. Class IIIb and IV products should only be used by properly trained individuals and should be used in applications where there is a legitimate need for these high power products.