FDA issues warning on use of handheld lasers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a warning regarding the use of handheld lasers. Those at Western Washington University who use the devices in classes or for other reasons are asked to heed the following guidelines:

• Do not buy any laser pointer that emits more than 5 mW output power and does not have the output power printed on the warning label affixed to the pointer. Hand-held laser pointers over 5 mW and those that are not properly labeled are illegal and potentially dangerous.
• Do not aim or shine laser pointers at any person, pet, vehicle, or aircraft directly, or through reflection by mirrors or other shiny surfaces.
• Check the output power of any laser pointer that you own. If it has an output greater than 5 mW, contact Environmental Health and Safety at WWU at (360) 650-3064 for proper disposal.
• In the event of injury, immediately consult your eye doctor.