Re: Laser Pointer Danger?

[herbgottlieb@juno.com]

On Sun, 18 Jan 1998 12:36:58 -0500 Jim Kadel <jimk@rica.net> writes:
> I would point out that these devices are always labeled with
> the "Caution Laser" symbol and warning. Are these warnings just 
> to aid legally against false suits claiming eye damage?    

The warning labels are required by the government for all 
manufacturers by the United States Center for Devices and 
Radiological Health (CRDH) They must comply with the Laser 
Performance Standard of the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Resources, and with Title 21, Part 1040 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations as it applied on the date of manufacture.

The regulations were drawn up by CRDH (formerly Bureau of 
Radiological Health) in the early days of lasers when this new
 technology  was relatively unknown and the public had to be
protected from possible hazards that might or might not 
appear as more and more lasers were sold throughout the 
country. 

The need for such warnings on low-power laser pointers should be
re-evaluated at the present time.  Placing DANGER and CAUTION
warnings on harmless laser pointers leads to a general disrespect 
for all warnings.  It could lead to a real tragedy if someone ignores 
similar warnings on explosives or the really dangerous high-energy 
radiations from nuclear sources or Carbon Dioxide and Argon Lasers

Although there is absolutely no evidence now that low power laser 
pointers could harm anyone,  it is always possible that some danger 
will be discovered in the future.  Yes...  it is also possible that beams

of ordinary flashlights, table lamps, and automobile headlights will 
also be found to be dangerous at some future time. Should we put 
caution and danger labels on EVERY ITEM which is now considered 
safe? If so, let's start with floppy disks, and compact disk players 
and high-definition TV sets.

> Suppose a teacher bathed the class in a "laser light show",
> from one or more of these pointers, reflecting from
> spinning mirrors?   (ala Edmund Scientific)

If there were any danger from the direct beam of a low-power laser 
pointer, , there would be EVEN LESS DANGER from such as beam
reflected from a spinning mirror.  As the mirror spins, the energy from 
the rapidly moving reflected laser beam does not remain very long
in any one location.  It is similar to moving a lighted candle quickly 
beneath your outstretched hand.   

> May your statement be taken as tacit approval for such use of pen
pointers?
>
DEFINITELY NOT !!!!

Herb Gottlieb from New York City
(Where there is a real financial danger defending ourselves from
frivolous lawsuits)