Re: Laser Toys

[William V Lipton <liptonw@dteenergy.com>]

This concern has been in the back of my mind for a while; many thanx for bringing
it up.  Regardless of the disclaimers, they're marketed as toys.  In addition to
the possibility of injuring someone's eyesight, they can also be mistaken for a
gun sight.  A police officer, or any armed person for that matter, having one of
these aimed at him would be reasonable in assuming he's been targeted, and acting
accordingly.

I'm surprised that the manufacturers don't seem to be concerned about product
liability.  A disclaimer doesn't mean much in the hands of a good lawyer (an
oxymoron, but you know what I mean!).

The Health Physics Society may want to consider taking a position on this.

The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
It's not about dose, it's about trust.

Bill Lipton
liptonw@dteenergy.com

"Richard C. Mannix" wrote:

> 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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