Laser Safety Information

Laser Information - Q & A

Q1.Why we don’t sell high power laser pointers in the commercial marketplace?

Answer:

The first and most important reason is that lasers over 5mW are potentially dangerous and can cause significant damage to the eyes of humans and animals. The second reason is simple…..it is against FDA regulations and is illegal. Infiniter only produces and sells Laser Pointers that are safe and comply with FDA regulations. The FDA stipulates that laser products promoted for pointing purposes are limited to Class IIIa which is under 5mW power. Other laser companies advertise that their products are more powerful but the fact is they are both dangerous and against the law.

Reference: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm237129.htm

NOTE:
Many cheap competitive brands in order to save cost, omit the APC circuit control (automatic power Control). The result is that the power is not steady and temperature will significantly affect the output power which shortens the product life and more importantly it can result in damage to the eyes of humans and pets. These high Power Laser Pointers are too dangerous for use as pointers or amusement articles, that is why the FDA has made them illegal. Therefore for everyone’s safety please do not purchase lasers over 5mW in power.
Laser Pointers may not exceed the accessible emission limits of CDRH Class IIIa.
Laser products promoted for pointing and demonstration purposes are limited to hazard Class IIIa by FDA regulation.21 CFR 1040.11(b) and 1040.11(c), limit surveying, leveling, and alignment, and demonstration laser products to Class IIIa. This means that pointers are limited to 5mW output power in the visible wavelength range from 400 to 710 nanometers. Pointers may not exceed the accessible emission limits of CDRH Class IIIa or IEC1 Class 3R.

Q2.What are the FDA requirements for Class IIIa and IIIb laser systems ?

Answer:

The FDA standard 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 requires a warning label on Class IIIa and IIIb products.

Q3.Are Class IIIA Laser pointers dangerous?

Answer:

Class IIIa or IEC Class 3R lasers can be dangerous. Class IIIa lasers can cause temporary visual effects such as flash blinding, which could distract or startle the person exposed. The risk of injury is very small when Class IIIa pointers are used responsibly because natural body motion of a person holding the pointer or motion of a person who might be exposed makes it difficult to expose the eyes for a long period of time. People also have a natural aversion to bright lights and are likely to close their eyes and turn their heads if exposed.

Q4.What is the problem with more powerful Class IIIb lasers being promoted and sold as pointers?

Answer:

Class IIIb hand-held lasers are too dangerous for use as pointers or amusement articles. Furthermore, promotion of Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B products for pointing or amusement violates FDA requirements and United States law. Manufacturers of such products may be required to repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of violative products distributed in the U.S. These products are also subject to detention and seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when imported.
Irresponsible use of more powerful laser pointers poses a significant risk of injury to the people exposed. Persons who misuse or irresponsibly use lasers are open to personal liability and prosecution.

Reference:
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/
HomeBusinessandEntertainment/LaserProductsandInstruments/ucm116373.htm

Laser introduction from FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/HomeBusinessandEntertainment/
LaserProductsandInstruments/ucm116362.htm

Related about Lasers Pointed at Aircraft on the Rise:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm166649.htm

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