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Re: Laser pointers



FYI, I ran into the same sort of thing at one of our local malls. In my
case, the package identified the laser as a Class II (with caution label)
while the laser inside was identified as a Class IIa (danger label).

I called the FDA and they are aware of the laser keychains and have a flyer
that they have circulated to schools and such. (copy below). Mine was the
first report of mislabeling.

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.


Al Zielinski
GE Lighting
Cleveland, OH
Phone: 216-266-3349   DC: 8-346-3349
Fax: 216-266-6663       DC  8-346-6663
albert.zielinski@lighting.ge.com
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