This will be my last comment on this topic.
The following bulletin came from the CDRH web page:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhlth/index.html
HHS NEWS
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
P97-45 FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sharon Snider: 301-827-6242
December 18, 1997 Broadcast Media: 301-827-3434
Consumer Inquires:
800-532-4440
FDA ISSUES WARNING ON MISUSE OF LASER POINTERS
The Food and Drug Administration is warning parents and school officials
about the possibility of eye damage to children from hand-held laser
pointers.
These products are generally safe when used as intended by teachers and
lecturers to highlight areas on a chart or screen. However, recent price
reductions have led to wider marketing, and FDA is concerned about the
promotion and use of these products as children's toys.
The light energy that laser pointers can aim into the eye can be more
damaging than staring directly into the sun. Federal law requires a
warning on the product label about this potential hazard to the eyes.
"These laser pointers are not toys. Parents should treat them with the
appropriate care," said FDA Lead Deputy Commissioner Michael A. Friedman,
M.D. "They are useful tools for adults that should be used by children
only with adequate supervision."
FDA's warning is prompted by two anecdotal reports it has received of eye
injury from laser pointers--one from a parent, the other from an
ophthalmologist.
Momentary exposure from a laser pointer, such as might occur from an
inadvertent sweep of the light across a person's eyes, causes only
temporary flash blindness. However, even this can be dangerous if the
exposed person is engaged in a
vision-critical activity such as driving.
####
ATTENTION TV BROADCASTERS: Please use open caption for the
hearing impaired.
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