Laser Toys

["Richard C. Mannix" <rcmannix@uci.edu>]

There have been prior Radsafe postings concerning the use of laser pointers
as toys by children. I believe that most of those dealt with standard
pen-shaped devices which were intended for use by adults in presentations,
etc. In other words, devices not specifically marketed to children.

While perusing my local Target yesterday, I came across the following gem:


*On the front of the package, in large print:

Laser Pointer In See-thru Jelly Bean Colors
Flashing lights inside
Turn the dial to choose from 5 different patterns (smiley face, space ship,
sun wearing sunglasses, etc.)
Projects over 500 feet away
Meets FDA Standards
No dot; more fun!

*On the back of the package, in much smaller print:

Class 3a laser product
< 5 mW
650 nm diode laser
This laser product is not a toy and is not to be used by unsupervised children
Do not aim into eyes
The laser light from this device should not be directed at any person under
any circumstance

The price of this device (which is shaped somewhat like a small computer
mouse, with a key chain attached) was under $10, easily affordable for most
children.

As has been mentioned in the past, 5 mW laser pointers are not terribly
dangerous for momentary exposures at decent distances from the lasers. In
this case, the laser beam is expanded to form the patterns (smiley face,
etc.). Thus, the hazard is further reduced. But if a child placed the small
aperture of the device directly next to his/her eye and pressed the power
button, events which are far less than ideal may ensue.

I remember reading somewhere a while back about 2 children who had a
contest over which one of them could stare point-blank into the aperture of
a laser pointer longer -- deliberately defeating the aversion/blink
response to bright-light stimulus. Sounds like the light was brighter than
the children in this case...

Rick Mannix
Health Physicist
Laser Safety Officer
Univ. of California
300 University Tower
Irvine, CA 92697-2725

949-824-6098
rcmannix@uci.edu
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